National Transport Strategy comment
This page features feedback from organisations around Scotland and other commentators as the consultation on the draft National Transport Strategy was announced.
COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison said:
"COSLA has worked with the Scottish Government on the development of the new National Transport Strategy. Whilst we support its commitment to protect our climate and improve lives, we also recognise that more work will be required if we are to achieve a sustainable, inclusive and accessible transport system. We would therefore encourage all those with an interest in the future of our transport system to have their say as part of the consultation.”
SCDI Chief Executive Sara Thiam said:
"As a new draft National Transport Strategy is set out, this is an important opportunity for people and businesses to have their say on how we deliver the transport infrastructure Scotland needs to connect, support inclusive growth, and deliver on our drive to net-zero emissions.
"SCDI look forward to continuing to work with Transport Scotland, and ensuring continued engagement with our members, as they finalise a strategy to ensure the right travel choices to support a successful, sustainable economy over the coming decades. I hope you’ll have your say on this important consultation."
Dean of the Institute for Advanced Studies at the University of Stirling Professor Iain Docherty said:
"Too often, transport strategies are designed around a list of pet projects favoured by those who shout loudest. The Scottish Government’s first NTS successfully moved beyond this to set out a range of wider objectives for transport that investment projects had to meet in order to be pursued. The new NTS builds on this approach to acknowledge imperatives such as the climate emergency, and explain in clear terms how transport investment is about achieving our economic, environmental and societal objectives."
Sustrans Scotland Director Grace Martin said:
"We’re excited by the new National Transport Strategy designed to make sure transport helps Scotland to meet its priorities for reducing inequality, tackling climate change, improving health and prosperity. Sustrans Scotland look forward to working with our partners to deliver these goals by helping more people to walk, cycle and wheel."
The Society of Chief Officers for Transportation in Scotland said:
"The Society of Chief Officers for Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS) are delighted to have been right at the heart of the process to develop a new Transport Strategy for Scotland. As a Professional Society with members from the 32 Scottish local Authorities and seven Regional Transport Partnerships, there are few aspects of transport that we are not part of planning, designing, operating and maintaining. It is of course a draft strategy and we would encourage everyone who uses or relies on the transport networks in our country to provide feedback that will aid the adoption of a finalised NTS. The approach to co-producing the draft NTS with colleagues in Scottish Government has been a positive collaboration and we look forward to this approach continuing as all of us jointly deliver on the strategic commitments within the final document."