Journey patterns of the elderly and disabled in the Cotswolds: a spatial analysis

The decline of services and transport provision in the North Cotswolds has led to a progressive deterioration in the welfare of the elderly and disabled. This study, based on interviews with 498 individuals in eight typical parishes, relates the travel behaviour of these groups to health status, personal circumstances, the grade and location of services, and mode of transport. The repercussions of the 1985 Transport Act for the car-less and severely disabled are then examined. Given the increased loadings on domiciliary support systems, the case is argued for coordinated initiatives in alternative transport provision which relate, sensitively, to the needs of the different groups among the elderly and disabled.