This map is sourced from the Department for Transport's Connectivity Tool (select "Show local authority view" and "Show authority band" to see the above view in an interactive format).
The map above shows the Cheshire West and Chester geographical area. The different colours on the map are showing local authority band. The bands help to assess how well-connected a 100m x 100m square location is relative to its local authority area including combined authorities. The Connectivity Tool defines connectivity as people’s ability to access the places they want and need to go. The tool assesses how well locations are connected to employment, education, healthcare, shopping, leisure and other everyday destinations through walking, cycling, public transport and other transport modes. The Connectivity Tool can be accessed here: Connectivity Tool - GOV.UK
As demonstrated in the key above, the redder areas mean the better connected it is and the black/grey areas indicate the least connected areas of the borough. As you can see from the map, the north west of the borough is very well-connected surrounding Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston. The north of the borough surrounding Frodsham and Helsby along the M56 Motorway is also well connected. Areas surrounding Northwich and Winsford to the east of the borough are well connected. The issue arising within the borough comes from the south. As demonstrated on the map, the southern parts of the borough are less well connected.
The Connectivity Tool provides a score out of 100 for the borough as a whole, compared to the rest of England and Wales The overall score of connectivity in Cheshire West and Chester is 56.63. This indicates that the borough has a very average score of connectivity in comparison with the rest of the UK. The best connectivity score is driving with a score of 83.99 and the lowest score being walking with 54.77. This identifies evidence that the borough is still heavily reliant on the private vehicle for residents to be able to access services, employment etc.
In line with connectivity, it is important to get an understanding of the transport trends in the borough. 63,368 households in the borough have at least one car or van in the household, with 25,909 households having no car or van in the household. This demonstrates that the majority of the households in the borough have access to at least one car or van in their home.
The Cheshire West and Chester Local Transport Plan identifies the need to improve connectivity and accessibility by sustainable modes, enabling more people to access employment, education and services without relying on private vehicles.