I live in a large village. My nearest bank is now a 30 mile round trip, as is the nearest supermarket of any consequence. The nearest town (4 miles away) has a bus service that goes to this city. It departs at 7:30 am and returns at about 3:00pm. There is no linking service apart from something called ,'Bookabus', which doesn't run to a timetable. There is an expensive village shop (which I try to support) otherwise a 4 mile cycle to local town.

An overall increase in fuel prices will always punish the rural driver as modern life here doesn't function without a car. Full electrics and phevs seem to be beyond the price range of a lot of people hereabouts, so ICE it is, for now.

Not really complaining mind 'cos my journey times are much shorter, crime rate much lower and the ability to ride for miles on empty little roads is a joy.

I live in a large village. My nearest bank is now a 30 mile round trip, as is the nearest supermarket of any consequence. The nearest town (4 miles away) has a bus service that goes to this city. It departs at 7:30 am and returns at about 3:00pm. There is no linking service apart from something called ,'Bookabus', which doesn't run to a timetable. There is an expensive village shop (which I try to support) otherwise a 4 mile cycle to local town.

An overall increase in fuel prices will always punish the rural driver as modern life here doesn't function without a car. Full electrics and phevs seem to be beyond the price range of a lot of people hereabouts, so ICE it is, for now.

Not really complaining mind 'cos my journey times are much shorter, crime rate much lower and the ability to ride for miles on empty little roads is a joy.

 

I don't think raising petrol prices helps much. As you say it targets lots of people who have no option/aren't the problem. I suppose it encourages more fuel efficiency though which is a good thing generally.

 

It is the commute into big cities that is the issue. They should simply stop prioritising the commuter in his little steel box who wants to drive into and back from work in a city centre at peak times.

 

They should concentrate on making cities places for people who live in them, not places for cars. Pedestrianisation, better public transport, walking and cycling, park and rides. They are the future.

 

Just make it clear to people who commute by car that their commutes will get longer and more difficult whilst people who live in town or commute in other ways will find life easier in the future.