Moving towards better health: A survey of transport authorities and primary care trusts in South West England

Abstract

Transport, the way we travel and our ability to access amenities, is an important determinant of health. A survey was conducted to: (1) identify past and present joint working arrangements between transport authorities and health authorities; (2) understand the role and impact of transport themes in health improvement programmes (HIMPs) and health themes in local transport plans (LTPs); and (3) raise awareness of transport and health issues. A questionnaire survey of directors of public health of primary care trusts (PCTs) and local authority transport managers was undertaken in the South West of England, a region of 5 million people with 32 PCTs and 15 transport authorities. All the transport authorities and 66% of PCTs responded. Consultation with the health authority on the LTP had been full in 67% of transport authority areas and more limited in the remainder. Common targets in the LTP and HIMP had been agreed in 33% of transport authority areas, shared programmes or themes in 40%, and a single shared theme in 13%. LTP and HIMP shared themes included walking and cycling initiatives, road safety, school travel and rural access. LTP themes identified as best practice to deliver health gain included walking initiatives, rural access, school travel and road safety. Ongoing links with PCTs were in place in 73% of the transport areas. Of the PCTs that responded, 33% reported that they were working on a travel plan. The responses in this survey identified strengths and concerns in the way that health and transport issues are handled locally and are reflected in the LTPs and HIMPs. Recommendations were produced by public health and transport managers in government office South West to improve partnership working.