The main relevant political background this month was the Scottish Government’s decision to abandon its 2030 climate targets and the subsequent end of the Bute House Agreement - the formal co-operation deal between the SNP and the Scottish Green Party. The responsibilities of the Scottish Green Ministers have been absorbed by existing Cabinet Secretaries.
We will be watching closely for possible implications, and future opportunities for our areas of work that the move will present. A pressing question is whether there is continued commitment to tackle carbon emissions – particularly from the largest source – transport.
Consultations responded to:
The City of Edinburgh Council – Leith Connections
Building on their City Mobility Plan, this consultation asked for input around a number of streets being changed to make walking, wheeling or cycling more comfortable, and to provide better connections between a number of elements including bus services and tram stops.
We responded in support of the efforts to prioritise people getting around actively, and highlighted that this work would improve quality of life and place.
Read the full consultation response here.
East Dunbartonshire Council - A803 Stage 2 – Public Consultation
The A803 Corridor Improvements Project is an element of the Council's £34.88 million Place and Growth Programme - supported by £15 million each from the UK and Scottish Governments through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.
We responded in support of the project’s objectives, especially with regards to footways meeting demand and the minimum width requirements and improving accessibility for all users.
Read the full consultation response here.
Cairngorms National Park – Fire Management Consultation
The Park Authority carried out a consultation after its board agreed last year to consider the options for minimising the risks of wildfires, in a bid to reduce the risk to people, nature and property in the Park.
We agree that measures are needed to minimize the likelihood of wildfires starting and to protect nature and wildlife. Generally, we agree that asking people to do something voluntarily is always preferable to legal enforcement. We suggest applying elements of a voluntary approach with a view to considering a more legalistic approach in future if needed. Adequate resourcing would be needed for ranger services and for the related comms to support this.
Read the full consultation response here.
This month we had a quick look back at how 2024 has been going in terms of consultation responses. Of the 47 responses we have submitted, 20 have related to sustainable transport and 12 to planning. Our interactive Flourish graphic below show.detail.
Wider policy work
This month saw Transform Scotland release a report on Scotland’s City Region Deals undermining climate commitments.
The report, ‘Dirty Deals’, scrutinised public funding allocated to transport infrastructure in the Deals and over 70% of transport infrastructure investment is allocated to high-carbon road projects.
This spending could have reduced inequalities and reduced environmental damage if it had been invested in public transport, walking, cycling and wheeling.
Read the full report here.