Social Exclusion
Social exclusion is a shorthand term for what can happen when people or areas suffer from a combination of linked problems, such as unemployment, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime environments, bad health, poverty and family breakdown. Sectors of the population particularly susceptible to such problems include young people, elderly people, women, those on low incomes and those living in remote rural areas. Poor public transport can be a major determinant of the role an individual can play in society.
Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch are generally prosperous areas, but like any other town there are pockets of social deprivation. Because of the nature of the development of the area, the most socially deprived areas are not adjacent to the central areas, but in large housing estates away from the centre. Table 4.1 shows the proportion of households in the area with access to a car. Dorset, in line with the rest of the South West Region, is an area of relatively high car ownership with 76% of households having access to a car, and 28% of households having access to two or more cars. Whilst these figures are broadly replicated in Poole and Christchurch, the figures for Bournemouth are much more in line with the national average. Due to poor public transport provision in some suburban areas, car ownership is a necessity rather than a luxury. A household owning only one car may be severely disadvantaged if that vehicle is used primarily by a member of the household to get to work each day.
Table 4.1 - Percentage of Households with Car Access
| |
0 car 1991 |
1981 |
1 car 1991 |
1981 |
2+cars 1991 |
1981 |
| Bournemouth |
32% |
40% |
68% |
60% |
23% |
15% |
| Poole |
22% |
29% |
78% |
71% |
30% |
20% |
| Christchurch |
24% |
28% |
76% |
72% |
25% |
18% |
| DORSET |
24% |
30% |
76% |
70% |
28% |
19% |
| SW REGION |
25% |
31% |
75% |
69% |
27% |
18% |
| ENGLAND & WALES |
32% |
39% |
68% |
61% |
24% |
16% |
Source: 1981 and 1991 Census of Population
People with visual or mobility impairments may have to reply on public transport for mobility, and are severely disadvantaged if they become fearful of using it due to concerns of personal safety. The provision of vehicles suitable for people with disabilities helps to an extent, but it is vital that this combined with staff awareness training to ensure safe and helpful practices. Supplementary engineering measures such as contrast marking on steps and changes in levels, and provision of ramps and dropped kerbs also assists.
Elderly people can also be a particularly disadvantaged group. The conurbation has a very high proportion of older people and people with disabilities. The 1991 census shows that over 25% of the population of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch is over retirement age, one of the highest percentages in the country. Some areas near the coast, such as parts of Highcliffe, Westbourne and Canford Cliffs have retirement levels as high as 50%. The heavily trafficked main roads form a particular problem to older people and people with disabilities, and difficulty in crossing the road is one of the most important issues that has arisen through recent consultation exercises. The transport strategy and parking strategies must reflect this, with provision of convenient and dedicated short-term parking facilities for disabled people in the heart of the town centres.
Consultation has also revealed that provision of central pedestrian refuges can, in many instances, solve a particular problem for elderly people. In addition, there is a need for public transport services to adapt to the needs of older people and people with disabilities by the introduction of low floor buses with east access and egress.
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