School run bad for business

IH

07 March 2008

ROAD congestion is hitting business in the region and the school run has to shoulder much of the blame.
That is the conclusion of a survey of businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire which follows on the back of a national poll by the British Chambers of Commerce.
More than 80 per cent of local firms said that traffic congestion is seen as a problem for business in this area and more than 98 per cent see the school run as the major cause.
Poor road design, poor driving and sheer volume of traffic were also cited.
Stephen Docherty, policy officer for the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I don’t think there is any doubt that the school run increases traffic on our roads at peak times.
“Anyone who travels to work during school holidays knows that there is a significant drop in congestion.
“It seems that the extra traffic that the school run brings is not just inconvenient, it is costing busy time and money,”
The survey covered a myriad of issues relating to transportation. Road transport is still seen as the most important ahead of rail, sea and air to Coventry and Warwickshire firms.
However, only around a quarter of businesses locally felt that the UK transport network was fit for purpose.
Just over 36 per cent of local companies said they had lost business as a direct result of the transport infrastructure with more than 80 per cent saying it resulted in a significant loss in man hours.
Mr Docherty added: “In many instances the problems felt on a national scale are not seen quite as significantly locally, but nevertheless are causing our members headaches. It is clear much needs to be done on a national and regional level.”
The survey also questioned whether businesses would support road-pricing measures.
Close to one in five said they would not back the idea in any circumstances while four out of five companies said they might support it depending on the detail.
That ranged from prior investment in public transport (36 per cent) to the scheme replacing fuel duty (34 per cent).

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