We are interested in the whole range of issues across all modes of transport however in order to stimulate discussion and comment we will be posting discussion papers on a range of topics over the coming weeks.
Please click on the links below to read more information on each topic and to submit your views. If you have more general views or comments that you would like to submit for consideration, please do so here.
Current Consultations
The Affordability of Transport
Many people in our communities are cut off from opportunities and essential services, including education, work and healthcare because of the costs of car ownership and the cost and availability of public transport alternatives. Sometimes referred to as Transport Poverty, the implications are far reaching but can include many people being forced to choose between owning a car they perhaps cannot afford or being unable to access key public services and other facilities, leading to social isolation and a lack of opportunity.
Behavioural Change and Mode Shift
Climate change will undoubtedly be a key factor in determining how travel in and around the north east of Scotland is likely to change. The gradual move away from diesel and petrol vehicles, reducing the need to travel due to better internet and digital connections and the desire by many for more active travel such as cycling and walking to improve public health and environment in communities across the North East of Scotland will all be key considerations.
Buses
The bus is a key component of the transport network in the north east. Many people rely on the bus to get to work, education, health and leisure opportunities and for many it provides a socially necessary service. For many others, it provides an alternative to travelling by private car and contributes significantly to reducing congestion on the region’s road network.
Road Safety and Casualty Reduction
The term road safety encompasses a wide range of considerations for those charged with its delivery. Engineers seek to provide a safe and well-maintained road network, as well as monitoring collisions across the road network to identify trends and geographical patterns. Other road safety professionals provide information and practical support on how to use the road safely, irrespective of the mode of travel.
Existing rail network in north east Scotland
The north east of Scotland has eight railway stations (with another under construction at Kintore). Historically, few local rail travel opportunities meant that travel to work by rail is small, just 1% at the time of Scottish Household Survey in 2017. Yet rail travel is regarded as a significant contributor to the Regional Transport Strategy and the importance of rail travel for business and leisure travel is not to be underestimated – more than half of Aberdeen’s 3 million passengers are making journeys over 100 kilometres (mostly to the central belt or beyond) – this compares to Edinburgh at 20% and Glasgow at just 5% .
