Out today
https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/transforming-transport-investment-in-scotland/
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Debate!
“Transforming transport investment in Scotland”
(9 posts)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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Transform Scotland response:
Posted 2 years ago # -
Two things worth noting amongst all the back slapping.
1. Projects including a Glasgow Metro and national integrated ticketing were all set out as "priorities" in the first Strategy Transport Projects Review, published in 2008. In 14 years, there has been no progress.
2. Recent Scottish Government policy documents are as notable for what they exclude, as they include. No mention of A9 and A96 dualling. No mention of the many road schemes funded through the various city region deals (Sheriffhall being just one).
I don't want to be totally negative, this is progress of a sort. However, it is worth seeing the bigger picture.
I am also concerned that delivery of the tricky stuff is being firmly passed to local authorities - which have a limited appetite for for action. See progress on any cycle lane ever.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Meanwhile in England
“
Cyclist Chris Boardman is to become national commissioner of the government’s new cycling and walking body, Active Travel England (ATE), which launches today (24 January 2022).
“
Posted 2 years ago # -
Whoever wrote the Transform Scotland response has a sense of humour at least.
“We’re all doomed because of the climate denial of Transport Scotland ha ha ha ha”
Posted 2 years ago # -
As if to prove my earlier point, article in today's Herald:
A82 traffic: Fort William link road planned to ease congestion
Is this really in line with what Michael Matheson told the Scottish Parliament last week?
Transport Scotland is considering proposals to ease pressure on the A82 in Fort William by creating a diversion outwith the town centre that connects back to the main Glasgow route.The core of that thinking is to support two key policy pillars. The first is that, for most journeys, the natural and easiest choice should be active travel, then public transport. Even when a car is used, car pooling or sharing should be easier. The second is the sustainable investment hierarchy, which focuses first on measures that are designed to reduce the need to travel; secondly, on effectively maintaining and safely operating existing assets; thirdly, on making better use of existing capacity; finally, on targeted infrastructure improvements when they appear to be the only feasible solution.
How odd that a new road turns out to be the "only feasible solution", even when you have a "world leading" policy of reducing car use.
Posted 2 years ago # -
No idea if FW ‘needs’ a bypass, but ‘obviously’ it will allow for ‘Scotland leading’ walk/cycle infrastructure IN the town.
In terms of major new road projects, it’s not actually at odds with reducing mileage by 20%, BUT any road trip generator means it’s even more important for measures to reduce motor use in towns and cities…
Posted 2 years ago # -
Fort William already has a bypass that avoids the town centre. Much of its route occupies what was the original site of the town's railway station, and the lines approaching it. What are they planning to replace with the new bypass? (IIRC there was a massive outcry against a proposal many years ago to build a through road in part of lower Glen Nevis.)
IME the main congestion point is at the A82/A830 junction which is a good mile outside the town centre, which is itself at least partially already pedestrianised. I can't believe that many people use it as a through route (even if it legality could be, which I'm not sure it can).
Posted 2 years ago # -
“
Transport minister Graeme Dey steps down due to ill health“
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-60110372
Posted 2 years ago #
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