Getting about
A rural life has many advantages but transport can be a problem.
Private car
If the driver of a car has a licence from another country other than the UK, they can drive on it temporarily but must either take another test or exchange their licence for a UK licence. Drivers from Syria and Afghanistan must take a test within 12 months. See Practical Advice pages here
Drivers from Ukraine can exchange their licence without a test up to 5 years after becoming resident, if it has not expired. See Practical Advice pages here
If a licence allows the driver to drive manual vehicles, they can usually exchange it for a UK licence that allows them to drive manual vehicles. See here for more about licence exchange.
Other than by car
Without a car, transport is more difficult but there are some solutions and these are often more sustainable …
Try Google Maps as a first port of call for a quick summary of alternatives from walking to public transport. The ubiquitous mapping tool will also help you access local taxi services.
Public Transport
The local bus services for Dorset are given here with routes, bus companies, bus stops and lots of useful information including a useful journey planning tool provided by traveline SW.
The local getting around advice for Wiltshire is provided by Connecting Wiltshire where you can plan journeys and research the bus services for South Wiltshire. They too have a journey planning tool.
Free bus passes for Ukrainians on More Bus and Damory
More Bus and Damory are offering a month's free family bus pass to Ukrainian arrivals. These are most likely to be useful to guests in the east/north of our area, and those who may be travelling in BCP. They would receive one 30-day family pass for up to 2 adults and 3 children. Guests MUST download the MoreBus app before the tickets are gifted so please ask them to do this if they haven't already. If they would like to take advantage of this offer, please email ukraineresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or call 01305 221000. DCC will check details against their records so will need to know the name of at least one of the guests, which service they are using (More or Damory) and the email address they have used to register for the app.
Rail
There are stations in Tisbury and Gillingham on the London to Exeter Route run by South Western Rail that stop at local towns such as Yeovil Junction (where you can transfer to Yeovil Pen Mill) and Salisbury where you can transfer to other destinations such as Bristol and Southampton. Ticket booking is here.
If you are using Universal Credit you can also apply to get 50% off rail travel costs with a Job Centre Plus Travel Discount Card. Find out more here and then speak to your JC+ work coach.
Cycling
There are many beautiful and safe cycle paths that criss-cross our area. Many are part of the National Cycle Network that you can access via the SUSTRANS website such as:
National Route 2 between Axminster and Bournemouth.
National Route 3 between Wells and Creech St Michael.
National Route 24 between Frome and Quidhampton.
National Route 25 between Bournemouth and Longleat House.
National Route 26 between Weymouth and Glastonbury.
The Wiltshire Cycleway runs between Maiden Bradley and Salisbury, through Mere, Donhead St Andrew and Broad Chalke.
Our group can usually source a bike on long loan and there are some great sources for refurbished bikes such as Jon at HOPE2CYCLE in Shaftesbury that we can put you in touch with. Just get in touch. for a referral from us.
Further afield there is the Weymouth Bike Bank. This is run via Gail Reynold's Facebook page.
School Transport
Dorset Council is treating Refugees exactly the same as other Dorset residents. All the normal processes for identifying children's eligibility for School Transport will be applied to the Ukrainian children too.
The place to go for school transport applications with Dorset Council is here.
If you have a concern that a transport decision needs reviewing then you can appeal the decision.
The place to go for appealing school transport decisions with Dorset Council is here.
The process of assessment is complex, and although distance from the school is a key factor, it isn't the only factor in decision making.
It should be said that, while the Council may approve and application, the local availability of appropriate school transport services (e.g., taxis) will also impact on whether a service can be set up for a particular child in a particular location.
There is some discretion to discuss the possible reimbursement of private transport arrangements in some cases.
Community transport
If you have particular mobility needs, are frail or do not have any access to public transport there are some community led services offering transport.
A full list can be found in the Community Transport Directory from Dorset Council, which provides details of voluntary car schemes, dial-a-rides and other community transport options.
Our local schemes:
North Dorset Community Accessible Transport (NORDCAT) provides a door-to-door DIAL A RIDE service enabling access to shopping, visiting friends, medical appointments and much more. Their timetable is as follows:
Wednesday: Gillingham & Wincanton
Sturminster Newton, Marnhull, Stalbridge, Henstridge, Gillingham.& Surrounding Villages.
Thursday: Shaftesbury & Gillingham
Sturminster Newton, Stalbridge, Marnhull, Henstridge, Todber, Fontmell Magna, Cann, Motcombe, Ashmore. & Surrounding Villages
Friday: Stalbridge
Sturminster Newton, Hazelbury Bryan, Buckland Newton, Marnhull, Stalbridge. & Surrounding Villages
Poole 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month
from Gillingham & Shaftesbury Area
To use the service you will need to print and complete the registration form here. Send to NORDCAT via the address on the form.
Passengers should call 01258 473154 to DIAL A RIDE
Shaftesbury Car Link (SCL) Shaftesbury Car Link (SCL)
If you live in the SP7 area where public transport is either not available or you cannot access it, then contact Shaftesbury Car Link. As a not-for-profit community transport organisation, we offer transport services to people of all ages. Juniors must be accompanied by an adult and a portable car seat must be provided, where necessary. Contact June or Martin Hull 07763 426 664
