Summary of SPF Transport
Dear Colleague,
Thank you very much for taking the time to respond to the Transport policy paper we sent out a few months ago.
I am pleased to say that even though we expected a lower number of responses to a comparatively “uncontroversial” topic, we still received a reasonable number of submissions. What is more, I was impressed by the level of detail some of them went into and you gave us quite a bit to think about. We also now have a good list of local infrastructure projects our supporters would like to see delivered, that you highlighted in your submissions.
I know transport can be a complex area, with a lot of overlap in other portfolios, but I appreciate your efforts and look forward to introducing another SPF paper in the near future.
Yours faithfully,
Alex Johnstone MSP
1: Private sector involvement
Most of the respondents were not opposed to private financing of road infrastructure projects, with only two submissions arguing against it. Out of the listed option, tolls were marginally preferred. That said, the majority of submissions emphasised the importance of central public spending. It was also argued that the question misses the fundamental issue – due to long-term pressures on public spending, road pricing was simply inevitable. Another point made was that the chance to move to a more specific road pricing system will come when fewer cars use traditional fuel and we see a move towards new technologies (electric, hydrogen, etc.).
2: Specific infrastructure projects
Understandably, most of the suggestions we received were specific local projects reflecting the respondents’ local area. The two projects which were highlighted irrespective of geographic area were the dualling of the A90 and the AWPR (Aberdeen by-pass); however, some of this prevalence can be attributed to these being mentioned in the paper.
3: Parking and congestion charges
It was universally recognised that parking charges are too high and often seen as an easy cash-grab by local authorities. Most respondents emphasised the damage this is causing to local businesses especially, with shoppers choosing retail parks out of town instead. Some have included their own suggestions, pointing to international examples: France operating an alternating roadside parking system to limit wear and tear or New Zealand limiting parking by minutes depending on the proximity to local shops. Not a single respondent was in favour of congestion charges, but it has to be pointed out that the majority of them came from rural areas.
4: “Green transport” and active travel
Most respondents felt positively about green transport as well as active travel, although they differed in their opinions on the desired level of state interference. The need for further research investment was emphasised, but several respondents also favoured infrastructure spending – electric charging points, green buses or cycle lanes. A few submissions stressed the difference between rural and urban areas for both green transport and active travel policies, with most of these arguing that it makes sense to focus on urban areas.
5: Speed limits
The answers to this question were not surprising, with almost all respondents complaining about the amount of restrictions and/or punitive speed limits. Some have emphasised the importance of UK-wide consistency. The constant need to “micro-manage” and frequent changes to urban speed limits were also mentioned.
6: Scotland’s bus network
Fewer respondents chose to answer this question compared with the average number of other responses. We have received a few specific bus link suggestions, but also some general comments on the level of services in respondents’ local areas. The Concessionary Travel scheme was mentioned again, with the majority arguing for a link with pension age and a few arguing for limiting its use to off-peak travel only.
7: Rail franchising
A majority of respondents were content with the current setup, however, several felt that it lagged behind its English equivalent, for one reason or another. Opinion was split evenly on whether one franchise or several franchises should be preferred, although a few submissions emphasised the need to properly and systematically evaluate ScotRail’s performance. Other respondents suggested longer franchise contracts and one was also in favour of considering renationalisation.
8: HS2
Considering the controversial nature of the project it was slightly unexpected to see that the respondents overwhelmingly supported HS2. Most saw potential benefits to Scotland, but emphasised that policy-makers need to ensure future phases are delivered as planned. A few were disappointed at the delivery timescale and argued that the project should have been put in motion a lot earlier.
9: Rail fare structure
Most respondents felt the present system was complicated and it was difficult to find the cheapest possible deal for longer journeys. Consequently, a simpler structure and better information provision for passengers were the most common suggestions made. Several respondents acknowledged that reforms are taking place and stressed the need to see the outcome of these before adopting new specific policies.
10: Air Route Development Fund
All bar two submissions supported the ARDF, provided EU regulatory issues can be overcome. Concerns were raised on the choice of routes to support should such a fund be set up – what would the criteria for selection be and who would decide? Over half of the respondents also mentioned high levels of Air Passenger Duty, with a few who felt a reduction or scrapping of it would have a better effect.
11: Air Discount Scheme
The opinions on the scheme were quite divided, but on balance a majority of submissions supported it. Unsurprisingly, respondents from remote rural areas were strongly in favour of it, whilst urban respondents were more likely to oppose ADS. The extension of the scheme to the voluntary sector was also welcomed.
12: Ferry tendering
Only a fraction of the submissions tackled this question, but those who did emphasised that more competition and market forces would be desirable, whilst recognising that CalMac seems to perform relatively well under the current system.
13: Road Equivalent Tariff
As above, only a few felt they could comment. Most supported RET in principle, but some were cautious about extending it across the whole network due to the associated costs. Most felt that large commercial vehicles should be included in RET, but it was recognised that the mixing of tourist and commercial (peak and off-peak) traffic was a problem.
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