Community Severance Across England Report

What is it?
This report explains how transport infrastructure such as major roads and railways can create community severance, making it harder for people to reach everyday services. It introduces an online visualiser that maps where this is likely to happen across England.

How is it useful?
It helps combined authorities and partners identify where communities face barriers to accessing services by walking. You can use the visualiser and data to support local analysis, target interventions and strengthen funding business cases.

Key findings

• Around 12.6 million people in England are likely to experience some level of severance
• Roads and railways can reduce access to services, jobs and social connections
• Impacts include poorer health, reduced travel choices and social isolation
• The visualiser provides a consistent, evidence‑based way to identify and address these issues