SWINDON is one of the most car-dependent places in the country, according to a new study.

The report, from the Campaign for Better Transport group, ranks the town as the fourth worst out of 29 locations for car dependency, with the reliance on vehicles being put down to a lack of walking, cycling and public transport alternatives.

Campaign groups say work is being done to address the issue, but funding is an obstacle.

“If action isn’t taken, people become car dependent and those with cars use them more, because they feel they have no choice, and those without cars get isolated and excluded. So we have been looking at and comparing how car dependent different areas are,” said Stephen Joseph, the group’s chief executive.

“There is significant evidence here of the benefits of devolved transport planning, where combined authorities like Manchester can provide an integrated public transport network alongside street and land development that ensures people have access to shorter and sustainable journeys rather than longer and car-reliant ones.”

The research was split into four sections; accessibility and planning, buses and trains quality and uptake, cycling and walking alternatives and driving.

The study ranked Swindon equal 21st for its current planning framework and equal 17th for the quality of its public transport.

Graham Ellis, of the TransWilts Community Partnership, a volunteer group, said: “In terms of the rail side of things there is a remarkable offering in the centre but there isn’t much for the surrounding community. People have to drive into Swindon to get the train.

“The links for Swindon would be so much better if train stations in places such as South Marston and Royal Wootton Bassett were opened up.”

Paul Jenkins, Thamesdown Transport’s managing director, said: “We’re encouraged that the report ranks Swindon at joint 17th in terms of buses and trains quality and uptake, and we’re intrigued to note that it highlights research that shows commuting by public transport makes people happier compared with driving.

“With 29 of our buses now fitted with WiFi, our passengers can certainly make the most of their time whilst travelling by bus.

“We’ve already implemented some of the report’s general recommendations such as the use of smart ticketing systems like London’s Oystercard.

“We’ve had the Thamesdown Smartcard for some years and it now accounts for over 30 per cent of our passengers’ journeys.”

Paul said he believes the company provides good fares and that the town’s road benefits from a high number of bus lanes.

The quality of routes for walking and cycling in Swindon ranked 24th of the 29 places surveyed.

Sustrans is a charity which seeks to help people choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper options for their journeys.

Amy Martin, Sustrans Smarter Choices co-ordinator for the South West, said: “Around half of people in Swindon who live less than 5km away from their workplace currently drive, a journey that could be easily cycled in less than 15 minutes.

“This over-reliance on cars is detrimental to both the local environment, and the health and wellbeing of local people.

“It is key that realistic alternatives exist for people in Swindon, such as reliable bus services and cycling infrastructure that makes people want to use their bikes instead of their cars.

“We know that change can happen, Sustrans works with Swindon Council and First Great Western to decrease car use to and from Swindon railway station, and here we’ve seen car use decrease by 24 per cent, and cycling increase by 15 per cent.

“Sadly, projects of this type cannot happen without sufficient funding.”

To see the full report visit www.bettertransport.org.uk.