Statistics
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If you have any enquiries relating to transport and travel statistics then please contact us at:
Transport Statistics
Transport Scotland
Scottish Government
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
Email: transtat@transport.gov.scot
We welcome any comments on both the format and content of the website, including any problems you may encounter.
You may also contact the Statistician Group Enquiries for general information.
Key Reported Road Casualties Scotland - All editions
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2023
Publication and datasets
Published May 2024
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2022
Publication and datasets
Published May 2023
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2021
Publication and datasets
Published May 2022
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2020
Publication and datasets
Key findings report
Published June 2021
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2019
Publication and datasets
Published July 2020
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2018
Publication and datasets
Published June 2019
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2017
Publication and datasets
Published June 2018
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2016
Publication ; Datasets
Published June 2017
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2015
Publication ; Datasets
Published June 2016
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2014
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2015
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2013
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2014
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2012
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2013
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2011
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2012
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2010
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2011
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2009
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2010
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2008
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2009
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2007
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2008
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2006
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2007
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2005
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2006
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2004
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2005
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2003
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2004
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2002
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2003
Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics 2001
Publication; Datasets
Published June 2002
Older reports
Statistical reports prior to 2001 are available via public library services.
Reported Road Casualties Scotland - All editions
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2022
Publication and datasets
Key findings report
Published October 2023
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2021
Publication and datasets
Key findings report
Published October 2022
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2020
Publication and datasets
Key findings report
Published October 2021
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2019
Publication and datasets
Key findings report
Published October 2020
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2018
Publication and datasets
Published October 2019
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2017
Publication (including datasets and factsheet)
Published October 2018
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2016
Publication; Datasets
Published October 2017
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2015
Publication; Datasets
Published October 2016
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2014
Publication; Datasets; Factsheet
Published October 2015
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2013
Publication; Datasets
Published October 2014
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2012
Publication; Datasets
Published October 2013
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2011
Publication; Datasets
Published October 2012
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2010
Publication; Datasets
Published October 2011
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2009
Publication; Datasets
Published November 2010
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2008
Publication; Datasets
Published November 2009
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2007
Publication; Datasets
Published March 2009
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2006
Publication; Datasets
Published November 2007
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2005
Publication; Datasets
Published November 2006
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2004
Publication; Datasets
Published January 2006
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2003
Publication; Datasets
Published November 2004
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2002
Publication; Datasets
Published November 2003
Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2001
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2002
Older reports
Statsistical reports prior to 2001 are available via public library services.
Scottish Transport Statistics - All editions
Scottish Transport Statistics 2023
Publication and datasets
Published March 2024
Scottish Transport Statistics 2022
Publication and datasets
Published March 2023
Scottish Transport Statistics No 40 2021
Publication and datasets
Published March 2022
Scottish Transport Statistics No 39 2020
Publication and datasets
Published February 2021
Scottish Transport Statistics No 38 2019
Publication and datasets
Published February 2020
Scottish Transport Statistics No 37 2018
Publication and datasets
Published February 2019
Scottish Transport Statistics No 36 2017
Publication, Datasets
Published February 2018
Scottish Transport Statistics No 35 2016
Publication, Datasets
Published February 2017
Scottish Transport Statistics No 34 2015
Publication, Datasets
Published February 2016
Scottish Transport Statistics No 33 2014
Publication, Datasets
Published February 2015
New outputs have been produced to accompany the 2014 Scottish Transport Statistics publication:
Interactive Charting Tool & Infographic summaries
Scottish Transport Statistics No 32 2013
Publication, Datasets
Published December 2013
Scottish Transport Statistics No 31 2012
Publication and datasets
Published December 2012
Scottish Transport Statistics No 30 2011
Publication, Datasets
Published December 2011
Scottish Transport Statistics No 29 2010
Publication; Datasets
Note: Please treat table 1.21 with caution. The data is being investigated
Published December 2010
Scottish Transport Statistics No 28 2009
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2009
Scottish Transport Statistics No 27 2008
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2008
Scottish Transport Statistics No 26 2007
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2007
Scottish Transport Statistics No 25 2006
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2006
Scottish Transport Statistics No 24 2005
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2005
Scottish Transport Statistics No 23 2004
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2004
Scottish Transport Statistics No 22 2003
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2003
Statistical reports prior to 2003 are available via public library services.
Key Transport Statistics Card
The Key Transport Statistics Fact Card is no longer updated and has been replaced by the Interactive Charting Tool, accessed through the link above in the first bullet point.
Key Transport Statistics Card February 2014
Publication; Datasets
Published February 2014
Key Transport Statistics Card December 2012
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2012
Key Transport Statistics Card December 2011
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2011
Key Transport Statistics Card December 2010
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2010
Key Transport Statistics Card December 2009
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2009
Key Transport Statistics Card August 2009
Publication; Datasets
Published Sugust 2009
Key Transport Statistics Card December 2008
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2008
Key Transport Statistics Card August 2008
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2008
Key Transport Statistics Card December 2007
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2007
Key Transport Statistics Card August 2007
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2007
Key Transport Statistics Card December 2006
Publication
Published December 2006
Key Transport Statistics Card August 2006
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2006
Key Transport Statistics Card August 2005
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2005
Key Transport Statistics Card February 2005
Publication; Datasets
Published February 2005
Key Transport Statistics Card August 2004
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2004
Key Transport Statistics Card December 2003
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2003
Key Transport Statistics Card August 2003
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2003
Transport and Travel in Scotland - All editions
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2022
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2022 (including datasets)
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2021
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2021 (including datasets)
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2020
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2020 (including datasets)
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2019
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2019 (including datasets)
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2019 - Key Findings Report
Published September 2020
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2018
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2018 (including datasets)
Published September 2019
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2017
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2017 (including datasets)
Published September 2018
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2016
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2016 (including datasets)
Published September 2017
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2015
Publication (including datasets)
Published September 2016
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2014
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2015
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2013
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2014
Transport and Travel in Scotland, 2012
Publication including datasets
Published August 2013
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2011
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2012
Transport and Travel in Scotland 2010
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2011
Scottish Household Survey: Household Transport in 2009
Publication; Datasets
Published September 2010
Main Transport Trends 2010
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2010
Scottish Household Survey: Household Transport in 2008
Publication; Datasets
Published November 2009
Main Transport Trends 2009
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2009
Scottish Household Survey: Household Transport in 2007
Publication; Datasets
Published October 2008
Main Transport Trends 2008
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2008
Scottish Household Survey: Household Transport in 2006
Publication; Datasets
Published October 2007
Main Transport Trends 2007
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2007
Scottish Household Survey: Household Transport in 2005
Publication; Datasets
Published October 2006
Main Transport Trends 2006
Publication; Datasets
Published August 2006
Scottish Household Survey: Household Transport in 2004
Publication; Datasets
Published December 2005
Scottish Household Survey: Household Transport in 2003
Publication; Datasets
Published November 2004
Scottish Household Survey: Household Transport in 2002
Publication; Datasets
Published January 2004
Scottish Household Survey: Household Transport in 2001
Note an error has been identified with table 1 - the column entitled "Access to three or more" cars is incorrect. See table 1 of the latest Household Transport publication for corrected information.
Published December 2002
Scottish Household Survey: Household Transport in 1999/2000
Publication
Published May 2002
Scottish Household Survey: Household Transport in 1999
Publication
Published January 2001
Seatbelt and Mobile Phone Usage Survey Scotland
Seatbelt and Mobile Phone Usage Survey Scotland 2017
Data sources and methodology
It is important to understand the background and methodology to the statistics so that they are used correctly.
You can also browse our Publications and datasets section for specific information, or use the High level summaries for an overview of key statistics by theme and details of where to find further data.
If you are looking for a compendium of transport and travel related statistics then you may find Scottish Transport Statistics useful.
Geographical breakdowns are available for most statistics.
This information is being added by theme to the High level summaries section.
Scottish Household Survey data
Information on personal travel and travel attitudes and behaviours is collected as part of the Scottish Household Survey (SHS).
- Background information for the SHS (PDF)
- Information on the background of the Travel Diary (PDF) and a more in-depth User Guide (PDF)
- Transport and travel content of the SHS for 2012 survey onwards (Excel)
- Two papers comparing Travel Diary distance calculation with GIS data:
- 2009 Travel diary: comparisons with GIS distances (PDF)
- 2012 Travel Diary: comparisons with new road network variable (PDF) - More information available from the SHS Web site
Department for Transport data
The Department for Transport (DfT) collect GB and Scotland level information for some transport topics which is reported in some of the Transport Scotland publications.
Road accident/Casualty data
Injury road accidents reported to the police are recorded on a ‘Stats 19’ form. This data is then submitted to Transport Scotland by the police forces.
- Stats 19 illustrative forms: show the information collected. Reported Road Casualties Scotland includes copies, and outlines what might also be collected for local use.
- Stats 20 instructions for the completion of the returns: detailed notes of guidance on the accidents to be reported and on points on individual fields.
- Stats 21 procedures for submitting road accident data: details of record layouts and validity checks etc. Further details are available below on the Stats 19 form.
Road accident Stats 19 form
Variables and values (2013 onwards)
The following documents have been revised to take account of changes resulting from the GB Standing Committee’s 2008 data quality review.
- “Stats 20” (2011)
- “Stats 21” (2011) draft version
- "Stats 19" (2013) - for completion by Police
- SCRAS 2008 Data quality review summary document
Variables and values (2005 onwards)
Final details of the variables and their codes are given in:
- "Stats 20" (2005) - produced in October 2004. Includes an example of the English/Welsh form
- "Stats 20" (2005) - without the English/Welsh form
The documents below were produced in December 2003 - although there have been minor changes to the descriptions/labels of a few variables/codes there have been no changes to the variables or the valid codes.
- Introduction to the specification for 2005 (3 pages)
- List of changes to be made from January 2005 (14 pages)
- Full list of "Stats 19" variables and values (2005) (15 pages)
- "Stats 19" (2005) - for completion by Police (4 pages)
- "Stats 19" (2005) - self-reported accidents (3 pages)
- "Stats 21" (2005) ( 21 pages) NB: The following changes have been made since this was produced:
Variable 2.9 Vehicle location at time of accident...
the check "IF 1.12 ( 1st Road Class) = 1 or 2.." should be:
IF 1.12 ( 1st Road Class) = 1 or 2 THEN 2.9 = 00, 02, 05, 06, 07 or 08
because code 02 (bus lane) is valid (as there is one on part of the M4)
Variable 3.10 Pedestrian Location
the check "IF 3.10 = 01-04..." should be:
IF 3.10 = 01-04 THEN 1.20a (Pedestrian Crossing - Human Control) = 1 or 2 OR 1.20b (Pedestrian Crossing - Physical Facilities) = 1, 4, 5, 7, 8 or 9
because 1.20b code 7 "Footbridge or subway" is valid (it is a type of pedestrian crossing facility, which variable 3.10 codes 01-04 indicate is present).
Variable 2.22 Age of Driver
under the "Comments" heading, the check "If driver age unknown...." should be:
If Driver Age is unknown 2.22 MUST = BLANK (not 00 or 99)
BLANK acceptable if 2.24 (Hit and Run) = 1 or 2 or 2.7 (Manoeuvres) = 2
Historical Documentation (1999 to 2004)
- "Stats 19" (1999) (3 pages)
- "Stats 20" (1999) (over 90 pages)
- "Stats 21" (1999) (21 pages)
Data quality review
It has been known for some time that there have been issues with some of the STATS 19 accident data that are collected by the police, due to the design of the form and information available to officers at the scene of an accident. Where possible these issues are rectified at each quinquennial review. The following document lists the current STATS 19 variables, issues with quality, their usage and possible solutions.
STATS 19 form design research project
Transport Research Laboratory were commissioned by Transport Scotland to review the currently used versions of the STATS19 form by the legacy police forces in Scotland and produce a new form that incorporates recommendations for improvement that could be potentially rolled out nationally to help improve the quality of the personal injury road accident data collected in Scotland. The report was published on 14 May 2015.
The report details the methodology used, findings from a literature review and consultation with stakeholders as well as details about the design and testing of the proposed form. All consultation participants’ comments have been anonymised to protect confidentiality.
A copy of the 2015 Illustrative STATS19 form produced as part of this project is also available
Safety Camera Data
- Road traffic accident and causality data collected by Police Scotland via the Stats 19 form is further validated by partners in each safety camera partnership and then submitted to the Scottish Safety Camera Programme Office.
- Speed data is collected either via fixed speed loops located in the road surface or by means of mobile speed monitoring equipment.
- Offender data is recorded on the safety camera partnership back office system. Aggregated figures are then submitted to the Scottish Safety Camera Programme Office via audited forms.
High level summary of statistics trends
Personal Travel
Private Transport
- Motor vehicles licensed
- Household car availability
- Driving Licence possession and frequency of driving
- Cycling
- Car occupancy
- Walking
- Road network
- Road traffic
- Traffic congestion
- Road accident casualties
Public Transport
- Availability of bus services
- Local bus services
- Rail passenger services
- Air services
- Ferry services
- Travel information and concessionary fares
Freight Transport
Equality Statistics
The Scottish Government and its Agencies collect, analyse and publish equality evidence across a wide range of policy areas.
The information has been brought together on the Scottish Government Equality Evidence website an evidence finder which allows users to find evidence by policy area and by equality characteristic.
A number of the Transport Statistics publications include tables of data for equality strands where information is available. A key data source is the Scottish Household Survey so tables are included in Transport and Travel in Scotland and Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary publications. There is also some information in Bus and Coach Statistics and Scottish Transport Statistics. Tables by age and gender are included in Reported Road Casualties Scotland.
ScotStat and Transport Committees
ScotStat is a network for users and providers of Scottish Official statistics. It aims to improve communication amongst those interested in particular statistics and facilitate the setting up of working groups on specific statistical issues. There are two Transport and Travel related ScotStat Committees:
- Transport and Travel Statistics Advisory Committee, and the
- Liaison Group on Road Accident Statistics
Both meet about once a year with members being consulted by e-mail, between meetings, where necessary e.g. for consultation, to follow up on discussion from meetings, to notify of changes to work strands.
If you are keen to find out more about work relating to Transport and Travel Statistics or any other facet of the work of the Scottish Government Statistics Group, you can register with ScotStat to receive updates. For more information, including a feedback form and information on the work of the ScotStat Board visit the ScotStat homepage.
You may also be interested in the (UK-wide) Transport Statistics Users Group, which tends to hold one "Scottish" meeting per year.
Transport and Travel Statistics Advisory Committee
The Transport and Travel Statistics Advisory Committee advises on the needs for statistics about transport and travel, and on matters such as their collection and cost, development, meaning, quality and fitness for purpose, publication and other forms of release and use.
Remit
To advise on the needs for statistics about transport and travel, and on matters such as their collection and cost, development, meaning, quality and fitness for purpose, publication and other forms of release and use.
The Committee will establish working groups, and liaise with other interested parties, where appropriate. It will operate within the ScotStat structure - for example: responding to issues raised by the ScotStat Board; reporting to the Board on its activities; and working with other ScotStat Committees, when appropriate.
Membership
Membership details of the ScotStat Transport and Travel Committee as at 6 April 2017.
NB: (PI) and (A) identify those who are members of the Progress Indicators and Accessibility sub-groups
|
Chair: Richard Morrison (PI) (A) |
Transport Statistician, Transport Scotland (TS) |
|
Secretary: Jeanine Bezuijen |
Transport Statistics branch, Transport Scotland (TS) |
|
Paul Reid |
Network Operator, Transport Scotland |
|
David Connolly (A) |
SYSTRA |
|
Andy Cope |
SUSTRANS - the sustainable transport charity |
|
Martin Reid |
Road Haulage Association |
|
Alison Irvine |
Head of Strategic Transport Planning, Transport Scotland |
|
Derek Halden (PI, A) |
Derek Halden Consultancy |
|
Tom Hart (PI) |
Scottish Transport Studies Group |
|
Amanda Horn (PI, A) |
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport |
|
Alan Runcie |
Transport Policy, SG |
|
Robert Raeside (A) |
Transport Research Institute, Napier University |
|
Alan Rehfisch |
Scottish Parliament Information Centre |
|
George Mair |
Director Government Relations, Confederation for Passenger Transport |
|
Maya Rousen |
Scottish Enterprise |
|
Gavin Scott |
Freight Transport Association |
|
Alastair Short |
SESTRAN representing SCOTS |
|
Neil Sturrock (A) |
SPT - Strathclyde Partnership for Transport |
|
Martin Macfie |
Environment Statistics, SG |
|
Paul Emerson |
TRL Limited |
|
Gemma Brand |
Department for Transport |
|
Rory Morrison |
Transport Research, Transport Scotland (TS) |
|
Recipients of papers: |
|
|
Lyndsey Melbourne |
Office of Rail and Road |
|
Andrew Knight |
Transport Statistics Branch, Transport Scotland (TS) |
|
Ranald Robertson |
HITRANS Highland and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership |
|
Kirsty Chalmers |
NESTRANS - North East Scotland Transport Partnership |
|
John Galilee |
Head of Transport Analytical Services Team, Transport Scotland (TS) |
Meetings
Meeting documentation for the ScotStat Transport and Travel Committee including agenda, minutes and papers.
Liaison Group on Road Accident Statistics
The group was established because there was a need for general liaison on road accident statistics for Scotland, covering both the "STAT 19" system and other statistical matters on road accidents. It meets periodically to discuss such statistical matters.
Remit
Background to the formation of the group
The notes in this section are based upon the points made in the first section of a paper entitled "Need for Liaison and Current Issues", which was prepared for the first meeting of the group, which was held on 27 June 1989. They have been updated several times since with the latest revision in May 2012.
The group was established because there was a need for general liaison on road accident statistics for Scotland, covering both the "STATS19" system and other statistical matters on road accidents. It was to meet periodically to discuss such statistical matters.
The group was set up to discuss any problems with the "STATS19" system. One particular aim was to ensure that the information for Scotland flows smoothly to the main databases - within The Scottish Government, the Transport Scotland Statistics branch's statistical database (covering all injury road accidents) and the Road Network Management and Maintenance Division's SERIS database (covering trunk road accidents); and the GB-wide injury road accidents database held by what is now the Department for Transport (DfT). The group could also consider aspects of police or local authority sources if that were required.
In addition to discussing the "STATS19" system, it was hoped that the group would comment on improving other sources of information on road accidents, and provide feedback on the statistics published by The Scottish Government / Transport Scotland in "Reported Road Casualties Scotland" and its Statistical Bulletins.
Objectives of Group
The main objectives specified for the group are as follows:
- To improve data quality
- To liaise on current STATS19 system.
- To examine any changes proposed by GB on STATS19 system.
- Consider any problems affecting the smooth updating of existing computer databases.
- Review use of current published statistics on road accidents in Scotland.
- Consider topical issues/problems with the data as they arise
As the Scottish Government statistician dealing with Road Accident statistics is also the statistician for transport statistics in Scotland, it was also stated that other transport statistics matters could be raised and discussed if there were sufficient general interest.
The group will report relevant issues to DfT and a representative from DfT will attend meetings. The group will also be represented on the Standing Committee for Road Accident Statistics (SCRAS).
Membership
From the Police Forces and Councils which send the data to Transport Scotland
NB: if some/all of the computing work is done for one of these bodies by another organisation, it is expected that the body which is represented on LGRAS will keep the other organisation informed.
- Inspector Brian Poole (Road Policing Management support)
- Sergeant Stevie White (Police Scotland)
- Mr Steven Sellars (Fife Council)
- Beverley Harkins (Fife Council)
- Sally McKenzie (Police Scotland)
- Eliana Clark (Police Scotland)
- Tina MacLucas (Police Scotland)
- Mark Hollinsworth (Police Scotland)
- Michael McDonald(Police Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway)
From users of the data
- Vacant (Senior Accident Investigation Officer, Falkirk Council)
- David Scott (Scottish Police Authority)
- Mr Richard Gerring (Highland Council)
- Mr Stuart Geddes (Stirling Council)
- Carlyn Fraser (Clackmannanshire Council)
- Sandy Allan (RoSPA, also Secretary of SAPC)
- Mr Paul Middleton (WDM)
- Michael McDonnell (Road Safety Scotland)
- Mr David Connolly (SYSTRA)
From Transport Scotland
- Andrew Paterson, Transport Statistician (Chair)
- Tony Christie, Social Research
- John Galilee, Team Leader
- Linzi Pidgeon, Scottish Safety Camera Programme
- Mr Andrew Knight, Transport Statistics branch (Secretary)
- Stuart Wilson, Transport Scotland Trunk Roads Network Management
- Amy Wilson, Trunk Road Network Strategic Road Safety
- Bertrand Deiss, Road Safety policy branch
From other organisations
- COSLA: represented by Vacant: who also represents SCOTS (see above)
- Department for Transport (observers):
- Delphine Robineau, Road Accident Statistician
- Paul Baden
Additional distribution of LGRAS papers and minutes
Transport Scotland will send copies of the papers for, and the minutes of, LGRAS meetings to its full list of Road Accident Statistics contacts.
Meetings
Meeting documentation of the ScotStat Liaison Group on Road Accident Statistics including agenda, minutes and associated papers.
Previous meetings
Stakeholders and use of statistics
Data Providers
Administrative statistics about Transport in Scotland are produced by a wide range of organisations, including the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, the Department for Transport (DfT), the Civil Aviation Authority, the Office of Rail Regulation, and many other bodies.
Views of transport users and details of personal travel are collected through survey data, for example the transport questions and travel diary in the Scottish Government's Scottish Household Survey (SHS).
Users of data
They are used by a wide range of interested parties, such as:
- The Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government (including Transport Scotland)
- Local authorities
- Regional Transport Partnerships
- Police Scotland
- Other public sector bodies (e.g. Scottish Enterprise and HIE, Cycling Scotland)
- Transport companies and their representative organisations
- Students, academics and other researchers
- Transport consultancies
- Other bodies with an interest in transport matters, such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, the Scottish Transport Studies Group, SUSTRANS, the Institute of Road Safety Officers, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and other bodies concerned with road safety
- Politicians and members of the public.
Uses of published statistics
Transport statistics are used for a wide range of purposes including:
- Informing the general public's choices, e.g. lifestyle choices around road safety
- Government decision making through policy making and policy monitoring
- Resource allocation
- Informing public marketing campaigns e.g. road safety
- Supporting third sector activity e.g. lobbying and funding applications
- Facilitating academic research.
Transport Analytical Services produce two publications in hard copy and on the website:
- Scottish Transport Statistics (STS) is used by many as a publication providing comprehensive figures and trends across the breadth of transport topics and using data from a wide range of data sources. For some users this publication provides the main source of transport data and everything they require. For others with an interest in specific areas of transport it provides contextual information for their work e.g. historical trends, road lengths, vehicle registrations or data on other types of transport for comparison purposes. For example Police Scotland use car registrations and road length to put their own data into context.
- Reported Road Casualties Scotland (RRCS) is the key source of data for those working in road safety. Data is used to inform road safety campaigns e.g. on speeding or drink driving. There are also regular casualty reduction targets which have been set by the Scottish Government that require to be monitored. It is also used by Police Scotland to check for problems in their areas and respond accordingly e.g. to focus on young drivers. HM Inspectorate of Constabulary use the data to identify questions for the forces. Costs data that is published is used to estimate the savings from preventing accidents due to policy intervention or road design e.g. by the police or by transport planners. The figures and data are also used by Transport Scotland's Accident Investigation and Prevention Unit.
Other publications are produced in a web only format, including a .pdf file to enable users to print a document where required. Transport and Travel in Scotland (TATIS) and Key Reported Road Casualties provide advance headline figures from the main publications earlier in the year.
Bus & Coach statistics used to be published as a separate publication but has now been combined with Scottish Transport Statistics. The data is obtained from the Scottish Household Survey and the Department for Transport. It is used in Transport Scotland to inform policy, funding (including concessionary fares and the Bus Service Operators Grant) and local initiatives and is also used by operators, their representative organisations and Regional Transport Partnerships to promote and improve bus travel across Scotland e.g. looking at fare indices and passenger numbers / distance travelled.
Up until recently there were two other publications which were based on survey data, looked at personal travel and provided more detail behind the figures published in STS. These were the SHS travel diary publication and Household Trends which published the results of the travel questions in the SHS.These have now been combined with TATIS.A National Travel Survey - Scotland Results publication which published the Scottish results from the National Travel Survey has now been discontinued as DfT no longer collect data for Scotland. The Scottish Household Survey data provides insight into travel behaviour which can then be used to assess the impact of interventions (policy or schemes) on particular demographic groups. This information is used by Transport Scotland, transport consultants and those working in particular sectors to look at actual and potential modal shift, for example moves to active travel. A review of the SHS was carried out in Summer 2010 and a summary of responses is published here.
Accessing Transport Statistics
The range of users of transport statistics is broad and user needs vary. Consultation with users and discussion at user group meetings has identified a number of issues relating to the use of statistics, some of which are listed below:
Accessibility (Publication / Data source vs Topic): Some users access transport statistics from particular publications, others have a focus on a particular topic e.g. road casualties. The structure of publications and the website attempts to cater for both routes into the figures. Changes have been made to publications in recent years to improve accessibility and reduce duplication. Positive feedback has been received from users on the progress made and further changes will be made in consultation with users.
Web vs Hard Copy publications: Many users are happy with a web publication, others prefer a hard copy. For the two larger publications, STS and RRCS, a hard copy is produced. For all publications a .pdf is provided on the website to enable users to print a copy if required. The size of this file is kept as small as possible to enable users with slower internet connections to access the file.
Currency of data: Some users have identified issues around time lags between period end and availability of data. Whether using administrative or survey data, there is a necessary time lag between the period end, the receipt of data and the completion of quality checking. We seek to minimise this time whilst maintaining a balance with data quality in order to meet user needs. The publication timetable is consulted on regularly and changes have been made in recent years to improve data availability e.g. through the publication of headline figures earlier in the year with the detail following later and from 2011 onwards the publication of Reported Road Casualties was brought forward from November to October at the request of users. The move to web publications will also enable more frequent and / or faster updates to data series.
Commentary vs data: Some users require commentary and explanation of trends, patterns etc. Other users are familiar with the data and are less interested in the commentary. Publications attempt to strike a balance and the move to web publications should require fewer resources and enable more analysis of the data to be carried out. For example RRCS 2009 includes an article comparing the statistics published with numbers from other similar data sources.
Other issues are identified in minutes of user group meetings (see below).
Engaging with Users
Transport statistics have 2 main user groups, (Transport & Travel Statistics Advisory Committee (TTSAC) and Liaison Group on Road Accident Statistics (LGRAS), which meet on an annual basis. The memberships were originally derived from the ScotStat register but have evolved over time. The remit, membership, papers and minutes from previous meetings can be found on our website.
The minutes reflect discussions on the publication format, content and timing of publications.
In addition to the annual meetings, users are regularly contacted by email to inform them of publications dates and consult on statistical plans and any relevant issues.
Other engagement
Transport Statistics also engages with users and providers of its statistics in other ways - for example:
- Meetings with some of the main individual suppliers and users of the data
- Events like the annual Scottish seminar organised jointly by the Transport Statistics Users' Group and Napier University Transport Research Institute, and the Scottish Household Survey User Day
- Consultative e-mails sent to the ScotStat Transport and/or the TRi/TSUG e-mail lists
- Occasional surveys of users of its outputs, through questionnaires included in the publications and made available on the website.
Statistics consultations
Current Consultations
The Transport Statistics team do not currently have any formal live consultations. However, we always welcome feedback from users on our publications. Please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions by emailing transtat@transport.gov.scot
Results of previous consultations
Communicating Analysis Survey 2019
To inform a programme of work to improve how Transport Scotland communicates our analysis we carried out a survey of users. As well as asking questions about all our statistical publications the survey also asked for feedback on our social and economic research publications. A total of 97 people responded to the survey.
Scottish Transport Statistics Consultation 2014
For the 2013 Scottish Transport Statistics publication we introduced a number of changes to existing chapters and included some new chapters. Following these changes we conducted an online survey with users to get their feedback.
Statistics Publication Survey 2012
In 2012, the Transport Statistics branch undertook a consultation exercise to gather feedback on their current Transport Scotland statistical publications, dissemination methods and outputs in order to make improvements to these which would better meet the needs of their users. The results of the survey were based on 46 users completing it.
Previously published statistics
National Travel Survey: Scottish Results - All editions
National Travel Survey: Scottish Results 2011/2012 Publication; Datasets
Published March 2014
National Travel Survey: Scottish Results 2009/2010 Publication; Datasets
Published March 2012
National Travel Survey: Scottish Results 2007/2008 Publication; Datasets
Published April 2010
National Travel Survey: Scottish Results 2004/2005 Publication; Datasets
Published January 2007
National Travel Survey: Scottish Results 2002/2003 Publication; Datasets
Published April 2005
National Travel Survey: Scottish Results 1998/2000 Publication; Datasets
Published April 2002
National Travel Survey: Scottish Results 1995/1997 Publication
Published March 1999
Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary Results - All editions
Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary 2012 Publication; Datasets
Published November 2013
Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary 2011 Publication; Datasets
Published November 2012
Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary Results 2009/10 Publication; Datasets
Published November 2011
Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary Results 2009 Publication; Datasets
Published November 2010
Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary Results 2007/2008 Publication; Datasets
Note figures in the Travel Diary bulletin do not exactly match the bulletin as figures were revised slightly post-publication. No trends were affected.
Published September 2009
Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary Results 2005/2006 Publication; Datasets
Published April 2008
Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary Results 2004 Publication; Datasets
Published March 2006
Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary Results 2003 Publication; Datasets
Published March 2005
Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary Results 2002 Publication; Datasets
Published May 2004
Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary Results 2001 Publication
Published February 2003
Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary Results 1999/2000 Publication; Datasets
Published February 2002
Scottish Household Survey: Local Area Analysis
Scottish Household Survey: Local Area Analysis 2014 Publication; Datasets
Published August 2015
Scottish Household Survey: Local Area Analysis 2012/2013 Publication; Datasets
Published August 2014
Scottish Household Survey: Local Area Analysis 2012 Publication; Datasets
Published November 2013
Scottish Household Survey: Local Area Analysis 2009/2010 Publication; Datasets
Published September 2011
Scottish Household Survey: Local Area Analysis 2007/2008 Publication; Datasets
Published October 2009, additional tables March 2010
Scottish Household Survey: Local Area Analysis 2005/2006 Publication; Datasets
December 2007
Scottish Household Survey: Local Area Analysis 2003/2004 Publication; Datasets
January 2006
Scottish Household Survey: Local Area Analysis 2001/2002 Publication; Datasets
February 2004
Scottish Household Survey: Local Area Analysis 1999/2000 Publication; Datasets
December 2001
Bus and Coach Statistics - All editions
From 2013 onwards the bus and coach statistics publication has been discontinued. This was carried out to streamline the transport related statistics publications. The information can now be found in the annual compendium publication, Scottish Transport Statistics
Bus and Coach Statistics 2011-2012 Publication; Datasets
Published 27 February 2013
Bus and Coach Statistics 2010-2011 Publication; Datasets
Published February 2012
01-03-2012: Errors found in Table 24 (Concessionary fare passes issued) – now corrected.
09-03-2012: Errors found in Tables 15 and 16 (passenger journeys and Vehicle Kilometres by region) – now corrected.
For more information on these errors please read the Regional revision to Bus and Coach Statistics 2010-11 (pdf, 10KB)
Bus and Coach Statistics 2009-2010 Publication; Datasets
Note: Table 8 concessionary fares was revised in July 2011
Published April 2011
Bus and Coach Statistics 2007-2008 Publication; Datasets (Tables 1 to 19); Datasets (Tables 20 to 39); Datasets (Tables 39 to 58)
Note: DfT bus figures have been subject to substantial revisions (21 October 2010). These are available on the DfT website and will be incorporated into the next STS publication on 21 December 2010.
Published March 2009
Bus and Coach Statistics 2005-2006 Publication; Datasets (Tables 1 to 10 & Charts A to M); Datasets (Tables 11 to 32 A to H & Charts N to T); Datasets (CORRECTED Tables 9.1-9.4)
Published March 2007
Bus and Coach Statistics 2004-2005 Publication; Datasets (Tables 1 to 10 & Charts A to M); Datasets (Tables 11 to 27 & Charts N to R); Datasets (CORRECTED Tables 9.1 & 9.2)
Published February 2006
Bus and Coach Statistics 2003-2004 Publication; Datasets (Tables 1 to 10 & Charts A to M); Datasets (Tables 11 to 27 & Charts N to R); Datasets (Tables 9.1 & 9.2 2003-04 areas within Scotland)
Published March 2005
Bus and Coach Statistics 2002-2003 Publication; Datasets (Tables 1 to 10 & Charts A to M); Datasets (Tables 11 to 27 & Charts N to R)
Published March 2004
Bus and Coach Statistics 2001-2002 Publication; Datasets (Tables 1 to 10 & Charts A to M); Datasets (Tables 11 to 20 & Charts N to Q)
Published March 2003
Bus and Coach Statistics 2000-2001 Publication; Datasets (Tables 1 to 10 & Charts A to M); Datasets (Tables 11 to 20 & Charts N to Q)
Published March 2002
Bus and Coach Statistics 1999-2000 Publication
Published March 2001
Bus and Coach Statistics 1998-1999 Publication
Published May 2000
Bus and Coach Statistics 1997-1998 Publication
Published March 1999
Bus and Coach Statistics 1996-1997 Publication
Published April 1998
Transport trends during COVID-19 outbreak
Transporting Scotland's Trade - All editions
Transporting Scotland's Trade - 2020 edition
Published in October 2020
Transporting Scotland's Trade - 2019 edition
Published in October 2019
Transporting Scotland's Trade - 2018 edition
Published in December 2018
Disability and Transport
Disability and Transport - 2021
Published October 2023
Disability and Transport - 2019 - Findings from the Scottish Household Survey
Published July 2021