Bus services outside of London have seen a dramatic decline over the past decade and a half, with provision decreasing by more than 60% in 80 local authority areas, new research reveals.

Researchers from the University of Leeds analysed every bus timetable in every neighbourhood across England and Wales since 2008.

They discovered that on average urban bus services have dropped by 48% and rural buses by 52%.

Commissioned by campaign group Friends of the Earth, the study found some regions have been hit harder than others, with services down 60% in the East Midlands, 57% in Wales and 52% in the North East.

The local authority areas of Hart, Fenland and Broxtowe have all seen a staggering decline in services of more than 80%.

Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at Friends of the Earth, said: ‘There has been a silent war on bus users for over a decade. This is not only disproportionately impacting those living on low incomes, people of colour and disabled people who are less likely to own a car, but also people who have had to give up their car as they’ve got older or due to poor health.

‘A bus renaissance is essential both for the millions of people who do not own a car in the UK and as part of a fair, green transition to a zero-carbon economy.

‘To reduce pollution and cut emissions, we need the Government to invest in our crumbling public transport system to make it far easier for people to use their car less and switch to greener ways to travel like buses, trains and cycling.’