Additional feedback received

Summary of additional feedback received

A total of 32 emails was received during the consultation period, including feedback from stakeholders and the public. Of the 32 emails, 20 were identified as additional feedback and are analysed in this section. The remaining 12 emails received were from stakeholders who attended a briefing session and the analysis of their feedback is presented in Section 3.2 .

Various themes and topics were identified from the additional feedback, which were analysed using the same methodology as the qualitive feedback from the online feedback survey. Further details on this methodology can be found in Section 4.2 .

Figure 5.1 provides a breakdown of the themes identified within the 20 additional feedback responses. Values do not add up to 100% due to responses potentially containing multiple themes. For further information on the definition and list of themes included, please refer to Section 4.2 .

 

 

 

The following section provides a breakdown of the most common topics identified within additional feedback responses within each theme.

General comments on the draft Review outcomes

Of the 20 additional feedback responses received, 60% were identified as containing topics under the theme of the general comments on the draft Review outcomes. General comments included support or opposition which could not be categorised within specific criteria of the Review such as safety, environment, or climate change. The most common topics identified under this theme within the additional feedback are as follows:

Six respondents expressed general support for the Scottish Government’s commitment to fully dual the A96 and their general dissatisfaction with the draft outcomes of the Review.

Four respondents also expressed frustration as to the time taken to undertake the Review.

Three respondents expressed their opposition to Full Dualling of the A96.

Safety along the A96 corridor

Of the 20 additional feedback responses received, 60% were identified as containing topics under the theme of safety along the A96. The most common topics identified under this theme within additional feedback are as follows:

Seven respondents commented on locations between Nairn and Elgin, Brodie and Inverurie which they consider are accident hotspots and cause safety concerns. The causes of accidents noted by these respondents included dangerous driver behaviour such as speeding, and poor signage approaching junctions.

Three respondents provided their support for the Targeted Road Safety Improvements intervention, with specific proposals including the introduction of new roundabouts in Huntly. Respondents also commented on the need for overtaking lanes and a speed limit reduction at Brodie.

Three respondents expressed their opinion that Full Dualling would be more effective at delivering road and commuter safety benefits along the A96 corridor.

Journey times/congestion along the A96 corridor

Of the 20 additional feedback responses received, 55% were identified as containing topics under the theme of journey times and congestion along the A96 corridor. This theme includes respondent views on the causes and potential solutions for congestion. The most common topics identified under this theme within additional feedback are as follows:

Five respondents commented on what they believed to be the primary causes of congestion and long journey times on the existing A96 including their views on slow moving vehicles and the condition of the road being unfit to meet demand. The locations mentioned by respondents included, but were not limited to, Nairn, Elgin, Keith, Inverurie, and Aberdeen.

Four respondents provided their support for Full Dualling, commenting that in their opinion this option would be more effective at reducing congestion, delays and journey times along the corridor.

Two respondents commented on the need for the inclusion of interventions in the draft outcomes of the Review to help reduce congestion.

Social and economic impacts

Of the 20 additional feedback responses received, 45% were identified as containing topics under the theme of social and economic impacts. The most common topics identified under this theme within additional feedback are as follows:

Five respondents expressed their view that the draft outcomes of the Review represent an example of how the north-east and Highlands are considered to be neglected in comparison with other regions of Scotland.

Three respondents commented that public transport is considered too expensive as an alternative to driving for many residents, making it less accessible.

Three respondents noted their view that local developments, such as Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone and the establishment of GB Energy’s headquarters, will worsen the conditions of the current corridor if the problems identified along the A96 are not addressed. The locations mentioned by respondents included Inverness, Nairn, Forres, Elgin, Morayshire, and Aberdeen.

Quality of public transport services

Of the 20 additional feedback responses received, 35% were identified as containing topics under the theme of quality of transport services. The most common topics identified under this theme within additional feedback are as follows:

Four respondents expressed their frustration regarding lengthy journey times, lack of public transport in certain areas and low reliability of the public transport services resulting in dependence on car travel.

Three respondents provided their support for the proposals to improve public transport services.

Bypasses

Of the 20 additional feedback responses received, 25% were identified as containing topics under the theme of bypasses. The most common topics identified under this theme within additional feedback are as follows:

Three respondents provided their support for the Keith and Elgin bypasses.

One respondent expressed their view that bypasses are not an alternative to Full Dualling.

One respondent comment that the Review should reconsider a potential bypass for Inverurie.

Environment/Draft Strategic Environmental Assessment

Of the 20 additional feedback responses received, 25% were identified as containing topics under the theme of the environment or the draft Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The most common topics identified under this theme within additional feedback are as follows:

Three respondents expressed their view that Full Dualling would have a negative impact on the environment. Two respondents specifically raised concerns regarding the use of agricultural land for constructing the new road, one respondent commented that in their view Full Dualling would encourage private vehicle use rather than discourage it.

Other topics identified included one respondent who suggested potential mitigation measures to decrease the negative environmental impact of Full Dualling if progressed, including tree planting within 1km of the potential route and constructing a flood-resistant underpass for wildlife. Also, one respondent expressed wider scepticism at the outcomes of the draft SEA.

Consultation

Of the 20 additional feedback responses received, 25% were identified as containing topics under the theme of consultation. The most common topics identified under this theme within additional feedback are as follows:

Two respondents stated that in their view the consultation should not delay a decision on the A96 corridor and that interventions on the A96 should start as soon as possible.

Two respondents also expressed their frustration about the online consultation and accessibility of the consultation materials.

Active travel

Of the 20 additional feedback responses received, 10% were identified as containing topics under the theme of active travel. The most common topic identified under this theme within additional feedback is as follows:

Two respondents provided support for the prioritisation of active travel. Responses included proposals for improvements to cycling infrastructure along the corridor, including a corridor-wide cycle lane segregated from the main road.

Climate change/Draft Climate Compatibility Assessment

Of the 20 additional feedback responses received, 5% (one response) was identified as containing a topic under the theme of climate change and the draft Climate Compatibility Assessment (CCA). The most common topic identified under this theme within additional feedback is as follows:

This respondent expressed their opposition to the A96 Electric Corridor intervention included in the Refined Package as they suggested that congestion will cause safety issues whether vehicles are fossil fuelled or electric, and this must be addressed first before the transition to electric vehicles.

Inclusive and accessible travel along the A96 corridor

Of the 20 additional feedback responses received, 5% (one response) was identified as containing a topic under the theme of inclusive and accessible travel along the A96 corridor. The most common topic identified under this theme within additional feedback is as follows:

This respondent expressed their concern regarding the current standard of route connectivity via public transport.

Transport connectivity along the A96 corridor

Of the 20 additional feedback responses received, 5% (one response) was identified as containing a topic under the theme of transport connectivity along the A96 corridor. The most common topic identified under this theme within additional feedback is as follows:

This respondent provided their support for Full Dualling, commenting that it would be increase connectivity and access between cities.