Spedning Review and Scottish Budget documents are out:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/358356/0121130.pdf
Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets budget "tbc" of the next three financial years - first time I have ever seen that.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Cycling News
Spending Review
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Posted 12 years ago #
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This was up before the budget -
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SpokesLothian:
£2.2m Scottish cycle funding - NB this looks like part of last year's sustainable transport budget line, not new money! http://t.co/TzJqAMdz
Original Tweet: http://twitter.com/SpokesLothian/status/116486900021346304
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Posted 12 years ago # -
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SpokesLothian:SNP's Scottish draft budget boosts motorways & trunk roads, savages cycling investment - and savages the SNP manifesto! http://t.co/Uu3KbRuY
Original Tweet: http://twitter.com/SpokesLothian/status/116529123807076352
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Posted 12 years ago # -
This is actually quite depressing.
It further confirms that 'we' - people who cycle and the tiny minority on this forum who 'get it' - are further marginalised and irrelevant.
There's Spokes which has provided the well researched arguments for walking and cycling for many years - and achieved a lot.
There's Greenspace Scotland, Transform Scotland, Living Streets etc. etc. who generally agree on the benefits of walking and cycling as important means of transport - at least in urban areas (where most people live).
There's general agreement that less traffic/noise/pollution and better outdoor space - parks and pavements is beneficial. It can improve local economies, promote tourism (in some areas) improve the 'quality of life" which in turn has an effect on health, which save NHS money etc. etc.
Needs a long term view which politicians/governments aren't really very good at.
EXCEPT that Mr. Swinney is now talking about "preventative spending". This is in relation to the idea of taxing supermarkets and spending the drug money (from big shops selling tobacco and alcohol) to reduce the problems these cause.
This, of course, has been dubbed the Tesco tax (presumably on the basis that this is where 'everyone' hates to shop and will be happy for this supermarket - and others - to pay more tax) and has stirred up strong reaction from the vested interests fronted by the British Retail Consortium - i.e. the union of big shops.
A straightforward minimum price of alcohol and a tax on car parks would probably be a better idea (and could raise more money) - though perhaps less welcome by another vested interest - voters who drive.
But back to preventative spending. There's been a lot of work on it. A whole Scottish Parliament "Finance Committee - Inquiry into preventative spending". News Release: Preventative spending key to solving Scotland's social ills.
"Scotland’s public services must focus more on preventing social problems arising rather than reacting to problems once they have occurred"
"Preventative spending aims to turn the tide as cash is targeted at tackling problems at their source" (Today's Scotsman)
A lot of the focus is on 'early years'. Perhaps some of these children live in households that drink and smoke too much. It's quite likely that some of them live near busy roads or inadequate parks etc. etc.
Maybe the 'Tesco Tax' will pay for more nicotine patches and social workers, but the truth is the present government in Scotland sees more value in MORE roads (it's the economy stupid) than fixing existing ones OR spending slightly more than a reducing pittance on 'sustainable transport' which might reduce the desire/need for roads, reduce the wear and tear on existing roads, improve the quality of life for most people.
Perhaps even reduce some inequalities and improve employment chances for people who can't afford cars - and make more car owners realise that cars are not the best thing for all journeys.
This is not about party politics, but it's depressing that a UK party that actually likes some other countries in Northern Europe and wants things like greener energy and sustainable growth (whatever that is) is so firmly tied to the old motor economy and can't see the MANY benefits of making towns and cities nicer (and more 'sustainable'!) places to live, work, visit.
The SNP has an overall majority at Holyrood. This may be the "draft' Spending Review, but the Government doesn't have to do deals with other parties, or listen to pressure groups or even 'ordinary' people.
Mr. Swinney rides a bike (holiday leisure) but he certainly doesn't "get it'.
Depressing.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Yes, I am really disappointed that John Swinney has done this.
And I still don't understand why building more roads is always seen as the answer to everything and I never will.
Posted 12 years ago # -
"I still don't understand why building more roads is always seen as the answer to everything and I never will"
You're not alone...
Posted 12 years ago # -
This is what the SNP 2011 Manifesto said on transport (Page 35):
"We will begin to develop the infrastructure to support electric cars, beginning in our urban areas and in the central belt, and will continue to increase the proportion of transport spending that goes on low-carbon, active and sustainable travel. We can make big carbon savings from transport"
Having had a chance to look over the figures and consider how this could be finessed by politicians, I can't see how they can claim to have met this commitment. Clearly the Government's own 10% of all journeys by bike target for 2020 cannot be met (not that I ever thought it would) for such paltry sums.
The only thing I can think of doing is writing to your MSPs and pointing out the SNP manifesto commitment and the 10% target and asking how they intend to make these happen. You can find your constituency and regional MSP contact details at:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msp/membersPages/MSPAddressPostcodeFinder.htm
Posted 12 years ago # -
New roads 'feel good'. New bridges 'feel even better'.
People even queue up to use them on the opening days. Then they queue on them once there built....I note the Borders railway is slipping back.... very predictable. Though they say they should knock off laying the track very quickly (ha, ha)
The squeals of the supermarkets though are a bit of a laugh. Threats of packing up and refusing to sell stuff in Scotland are as likely as John Swinney cycling to Holyrood every day.
Plenty of competition in the supermarket area - so if Tescos don't think they make enough I'm sure someone else can fulfil the vital function of supplying oven chips to Scotland.Posted 12 years ago # -
My guess is that their desire for more roads is driven partly by a long-running sense of unfairness, that the south east of England gets far better infrastructure than Scotland does (e.g. the lack of a joined up motorway between Edinburgh & Glasgow) and that the central belt gets far better infrastructure than further north (e.g. the notorious A9 and A96 not being dual carriageways let alone motorways). If that's the case then it'll probably be a long time before common sense and rationality start to intrude on their thinking.
Posted 12 years ago # -
There are cycling politicians elsewhere in the UK... I'm not sure if we want them though.
Boris would be almost worth it for comic relief. Call Me Dave... less so.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Cycling hypocrites we can do without, whether called Boris, Dave or John.
I was going to say I'm not at all surprised at the SNP here. But then I realised I'm still damned disappointed, even though I was 'prepared for the worst' given the cant and hypocrisy over the trams...
I believe in America what the SNP are doing is called 'pork barrel' politics. I'm afraid the cycling vote is just too lean pickings. Swinney and Salmond are quite happy to let the Greens look after us...
Posted 12 years ago # -
Elected government in "keeping the majority happy" shocker!
Posted 12 years ago # -
cc Member
My guess is that their desire for more roads is driven partly by a long-running sense of unfairness, that the south east of England gets far better infrastructure than Scotland does (e.g. the lack of a joined up motorway between Edinburgh & Glasgow) and that the central belt gets far better infrastructure than further north (e.g. the notorious A9 and A96 not being dual carriageways let alone motorways). If that's the case then it'll probably be a long time before common sense and rationality start to intrude on their thinking.
The SNP wanted to dual the A9 but the money was tied up in the Edinburgh trams project by a coalition of Labour, Tory, Lib-Dem and Green Parties. Of course, any attempt to improve the road infrastructure north of Dumfermline is seen as "pandering" to the areas that vote SNP. Maybe that accusation will have to disappear now that SNP support is more widespread.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Elected government in "keeping the majority happy" shocker!
Well it might have been that clear-cut a case if their manifesto said "we'll spend more money on roads and less on walking and cycling". But I believe it didn't say the first and said the opposite for the other two...
Posted 12 years ago # -
The SNP wanted to dual the A9 but the money was tied up in the Edinburgh trams project by a coalition of Labour, Tory, Lib-Dem and Green Parties.
Alternatively it was tied up in the Glasgow M74 extension, which the SNP seem to be very proud of. So that's Nicola Sturgeon's seat safe then?
Pork. Barrel.
Not to say that Labour were not at it too. It just seems that it is roads, roads, and more roads for the SNP. It's like the 1960s all over again.
Posted 12 years ago # -
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A report from the London School of Economics (LSE) reveals that the recent boom in the number of people cycling is worth around £3bn to the national economy.The report, which was commissioned by broadcaster Sky and British Cycling, attempted to calculate the “gross cycling product” of cyclists by assessing their overall economic impact through sales of bikes and equipment, and employment across the sector.
It also analysed the wider economic benefits that result from cycling in terms of reduced road congestion, improved health and better air quality, concluding that in total the cycling sector generates £2.9bn for the British economy, equivalent to £230 for every cyclist.
"http://www.velorution.biz/2011/08/lse-calculates-value-of-spending-by-cyclists/
Posted 12 years ago # -
I drive on the A9 quite a bit but can't really see why people are so obsessed with dualling it (or rather, I can see exactly why they're obsessed, but can't believe they're getting it).
London is 150x bigger than Inverness, which might go some way to explaining why they have bigger roads. It's not a conspiracy.
I'd rather see a train line putting in so that you *can* get to Inverness without a car if you'd like to.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Looks like I'm the only person here who finds the M74 extension useful then... but I do know plenty of others in the real world.
Even if I'm not using that road it seems to have had wider effects in that I haven't been stuck in a queue for the north bound Kingston bridge since the M74 extension opened. Now I'm thinking about it might have got rid of the Saturday afternoon west bound queue on the M8 which could be back almost to the Fort. I haven't been stuck there since June either but I might just have avoided that particular trap in other ways.
My parents live in Barrhead so I'm often east bound on the M8 of a Sunday afternoon.
I'm not happy with signage from the Green. There is a sign post for the M74 which sends you past Shawfield and then abandons you. I'm still trying to work out where the on ramps are. The satnav is entertaining too as it doesn't know about the new road and thinks you are on older roads under it.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I'd rather see a train line putting in so that you *can* get to Inverness without a car if you'd like to.
I'm pretty sure I've done that. I remember it wasn't cheap. The last time was around 2003 and it was something like £30 for a return.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Looks like I'm the only person here who finds the M74 extension useful then
I think it helps which side of the country you live on!
London is 150x bigger than Inverness, which might go some way to explaining why they have bigger roads. It's not a conspiracy.
London and the South East (government regions) have a population 3 times that of all of Scotland.
I don't know why we expect a 3 lane motorway all the way between anything but Edinburgh and Glasgow - the central belt containing as it does 70% of our rather small population.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I don't know why they didn't upgrade the A8 section between Bailiieston and Newhouse 7 years ago. They had the road coned off for months and when they were done the only change was the concrete bit down the middle. They even had some blue signs in place but they went away.
It almost resulted in number 3 son being born in the car because my parents got lost in the diversion and didn't get here to look after the other two so we nearly didn't make it to the maternity unit in time.
Posted 12 years ago # -
@Dave, I'm going to Inverness by train on Thursday next week. Its not the greatest line, and a bit slow, but nonetheless possible.
The issue with the A9 is that there are so many impatient idiots driving it, along with the fact that parts are dualled. I have a friend who was in a serious head-on this year on the road (not his fault), and I've never seen such bad driving anywhere else (well, maybe in rural Italy).
Posted 12 years ago # -
"London and the South East (government regions) have a population 3 times that of all of Scotland."
Maybe the SNP are aiming to have Scotland as overcrowded, congested and polluted as the South East of England? I am a bit of a fence sitter when it comes to Independance but if that is the price we have to pay then I will gladly topple over to the Union camp.
Posted 12 years ago # -
A lot of the problems on the single carriageway sections of the A9 are caused by the different speed limits for HGVs, vans and cars - 40mph, 50mph and 60mph respectively. These result in platooning of vehicles behind HGVs and eventually drivers trying to overtake, often dangerously. I think there is a case for reviewing these. Pehaps Splitshift could offer his views on raising HGV speed limits on single carriageway trunk roads?
WFB - road orders for the upgrading of the A8 Ballieston-Newhouse, Raith junction upgrade and associated improvements were agreed earlier this year. Work will probably start on the ground in the next couple of years - allegedly to include enhanced cycle and pedestrian facilities (whatever that means).
Dualling the A9 to Inverness was predicted (Transport Scotland, Strategic Transport Projects Review) to cost in the region of £4bn in 2008 - not going to happen any time soon.
Posted 12 years ago # -
"different speed limits for HGVs, vans and cars - 40mph, 50mph and 60mph respectively." ... "I think there is a case for reviewing these."
I absolutely agree with that.
Posted 12 years ago # -
There is some kind of cycle path on the south of that section of A8 but I've never used it. I've seen the signs where it cross the A752. It seems to serve a farm but nowhere else. There is also a track from Coatbridge to the Eurocentral container depot. The northern end looks like railway ballast so I've never tried that one either.
I'm not sure why extra cycle facilities would be needed as there are other roads paralleling it to the north and south. I haven't used that bit of the A8 since 1991 when I was in a hurry to get back from Edinburgh. Not everyone would be relaxed about using the A725 but the A752 and B7070 will get you there too.
The memsahib will not be happy about roadworks on the A8, she uses part of it for getting to work and after dropping off boys she is tight for time.
Min, I'm not sure that would be possible. I lived in London for years and we're not even close. When I got a lift south on a Sunday night the jam would start around Birmingham.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I'd rather see a train line putting in so that you *can* get to Inverness without a car if you'd like to.
More capacity with a train an hour from Edinburgh to Inverness may take some wealthier drivers off the A9. Wi-fi on a train allows work to be done so win-win I'd have thought...The Scottish network has exhorbitantly high fares - the gap should be closed with more cheaper seats - that's if you can find a seat at all.. At moment First control overcrowding with congestion charging. Was on the 5.30 train to Inverness other day and it was three coaches of chaos...
Meanwhile trains to Helensburgh are twice the size... the SNP should be pro fast link to North. From a vote point of view a new road always trumps a new rail route though.. :-(
Posted 12 years ago # -
Helensburgh trains via Airdrie? They used to be smaller but now that the line goes to Waverley again they are running longer sets.
Are there any lines in the north which were axed by Beeching but could be reopened?
The one by Strathearn is a bike track and has fallen down the hill in places. There was a spur to Killin, the walk woman on BBC did it a year or so ago.
Posted 12 years ago # -
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Otherwise, though, the model of economic “recovery” embraced by Scotland’s Finance Secretary was a wholly conventional one, based on the idea of a rapid return to continuing material growth. The infrastructure projects on which new money is to be spent consist mainly of road-building, rather than investment in – say – public transport, or proper home insulation; the Scottish Government’s already tiny walking and cycling budget has actually been slashed, by a swingeing 25%.
"Posted 12 years ago # -
WFB - the re-opening of the direct line from Inverkeithing to Perth would speed up North-South trips, although much of he trackbed is now under the M90. Transport Scotland has long term plans to reopen the section between Inverkeithing and Halbeath. Don't really think this one is a goer myself.
Transport Scotland also has plans for upgrades to the Highland mainline which would knock 35 minutes of the journey to Inverness and allow hourly trains between Perth and Inverness. This project is in the early stages of development by Network Rail and it could go ahead, dependent on funding.
Posted 12 years ago #
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