Memorandum from the Federation of Small
Businesses (FSB) (TS 35)
TRANSPORT COMMITTEE
TO CONSIDER
BRITISH TRANSPORT
POLICE IN
ITS INQUIRY
INTO TRANSPORT
SECURITY
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) welcomes
the opportunity to respond to the above named consultation.
The FSB is the UK's leading non-party political
lobbying group of UK small businesses, existing to promote and
protect the interests of all who own and or manage their own businesses.
With over 193,000 members, the FSB is also the largest organisation
representing small and medium sized businesses in the UK.
Our contribution to this exercise discusses
the need for the Transport Committee to focus on the impact "fear
of using public transport" is having on the heavily congested
road network.
The majority of small businesses use private
transport as their choice of mode of transport as most trade is
within 50 miles of their base and they view their vehicles as
an integral part of the business function. The tragic events of
July 2005 and the rise in crime and anti-social behaviour have
been factors in turning people away from public transport across
the UK and into their own safe vehicles. The negative impacts
of this shift are that non-essential journeys on the road lead
to a build up of congestion, at a cost to small businesses through
late deliveries, staff delays etc.
There must be a stronger determination to promote
a secure public transport system to encourage non-essential drivers
away from unnecessary use of their cars. A safer and more reliable
public transport coupled with increased investment in the system
will decrease levels of congestion and help small businesses be
more efficient.
We trust that you will find our comments helpful
and that they may be taken into consideration. The FSB is willing
for this submission to be placed in the public domain. We would
appreciate a copy of the synopsis of responses and of being kept
apprised of further developments and consultations on this issue.
February 2006
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