COLCHESTER is one of the most car-dependent places in England, a report has revealed.

We have the fewest number of people able to get to primary schools, work or the town centre by walking or public transport.

Just 1 per cent of workers cycle to work every day, which is ten times less than in Cambridge.

The Campaign for Better Transport put the blame on “bad accessibility and planning”.

It is the third successive year Colchester has appeared on the campaign’s roll of shame.

The report says the history and geography of cities can hinder the reduction of car dependency, but adds Colchester has been slow to tackle the issue.

It said: “Colchester had the lowest score for accessibility to schools and the town centre.

“Its low population density presents difficulties for moving away from car dependency.

“But cities have reacted to their inheritance in various ways.

“Cambridge and Colchester have densely packed ancient centres, but, whereas Cambridge has promoted cycling, buses, park and ride and traffic management, Colchester has only recently introduced measures to manage its traffic more sustainably.”

Martin Hunt, leader of Colchester Council, said the town faced an uphill battle to get people out of their cars.

He hopes the town’s first permanent park and ride, due to open next spring, will help.

The towns and cities were chosen by identifying the three largest urban areas in each of England’s eight regions, plus some places due for significant road upgrades, such as Norwich, Stockport and Northampton.

Other places on the list of shame include Swindon, Wigan, Bradford, Derby and Dudley.

London is considered the least car-dependent location.

See today's Gazette for the full report