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The Study Area

The Peaks and Dales Line Feasibility Study examined the regional connectivity between the North West and East Midland regions of England and also incorporates elements of South Yorkshire.


It has examined the unsustainable traffic problems, caused by Peak District National Park visitors, commuters travelling to, from and through the regions and residents who have all become car dependent due to the lack of suitable alternative.


Locations impacted include:

Stockport

Hazel Grove

High Peak

Derbyshire Dales

Peak District National Park

Amber Valley

 
 

What is the Problem?

The Peak District, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak and the routes to, from and through these areas have been heavily congested for years as traffic continues to grow.


Roads are congested; buses, where available are delayed or cancelled due to the traffic and many communities have to rely on road vehicles just to get around.  


Many communities are isolated with very limited or no public transport and as a result car ownership levels are high across these areas including households with multiple vehicles or for those that cannot access a vehicle, it reduces access to employment, leisure and healthcare facilities often leading to social isolation. 


There are many ongoing and growing problems as a result of this situation including:

Traffic congestion

Journey delays

Higher vehicle emmissions

Landscape damage

Reduced access to jobs

Reduced access to healthcare

Limited education choices

Social Isolation

Mental health issues

Emissions and particulate problems

Increased costs for local businesses

Lack of National Park access for millions without cars

Tackling the Issues

The Feasibility Study has looked at how we can tackle these challenges in a way that works for people, communities, and the environment.


The way we travel today is putting a huge strain on the regions, towns and villages on a daily basis and doing nothing only increases the problems.


Some of the issues that need to be addressed urgently include:


  • Critical roads that are regularly congested, worse at weekends, bank holidays, tourist seasons and during events - it is vital road vehicle use is dramatically reduced.
  • Roads can be closed due to maintenance, bad weather and on occasions due to road traffic collisions - without a high-capacity non-road based solution diversions add even more to already long journey times.
  • Many towns and villages have limited public transport choices and for key towns like Buxton, the night-time economy is constrained due to no late evening bus or south bound railway services - many areas are in decline because of ineffective public transport options.
  • Buses often struggle to be reliable as they are delayed in the same road traffic - buses cannot perform as a high-capacity strategic corridor solution - they do however provide a vital part of integrated transport solutions.
  • People who don't have a car, young people and older residents have very limited travel options - just because people cannot or do not wish to drive does not mean they should be worse off.
  • This much traffic has severe negative effects on air quality, public health, village life and the special landscapes of the Peak District National Park - not only is this carbon dioxide emissions - it is also the damaging tyre particulates polluting the air and more are produced by heavier electric vehicles.

Considering Options

Walking & wheeling

  • Supports inclusive access and essential for local journeys
  • Not practical for longer, cross-region journeys
  • Weather can be an issue
  • Not practical for all people
  • Route type and gradient can impact on users

buses

  • A vital transport mode for local accessibility and tourism
  • Affected by road congestion
  • Lacks speed, capacity and reliability across the corridor
  • Form a critical part of integrated transport solutions by acting as a feeder to non-road options 

roadS

  • High car dependency creates social inequality, environmental pressures and unsustainable congestion
  • Geographic constraints
  • National Park protections prevent upgrades
  • More roads often means more traffic

NON-ROAD OPTIONS

  • High capacity, efficient and reliable
  • Capable of significantly reducing road traffic
  • Carbon reduction and air quality benefits
  • Promotes social inclusion and community connectivity
  • Provides landscape protection 

National Park Visitors per Year






13-26 million

Percentage of visitors arriving by Car





85% +

Percentage of visitors who indicate they would switch to the train



25%

Vehicle 'Trips' Potentially Removed from Roads




1-4 million per year

Peaks and Dales Line Ltd

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Project Resourcing and Funding

Peaks and Dales Line Ltd has not received any public funding for work undertaken to date.


Early‑stage feasibility activity has been progressed using private resources and professionally structured inputs, appropriate to the scope and purpose of this stage of work.