Recent Research Reports

Research reports published since the previous edition of "Scottish Transport Statistics" are listed below.

Title	The Use and Value of the Blue Badge Scheme
Publication date	October 2012
Contractor	ODS Consulting / Research Resource
Purpose of research	The purpose of the research was to explore Blue Badge holders' views on using their Badge and also the value it gives to them. The study collected information on holders' transport needs, use of the blue badge, and how it relates to wider transport provision for disabled people. The information collected by this study will be used to improve and develop the scheme.
Main findings	The study highlighted that the main use of the Blue Badge was for shopping and medical appointments. There was consensus that there was a general lack of Blue Badge parking space provision, which was most noticeable in hospital car parks as well as with on-street provision in town centres. The greatest value of the Badge for users was securing their independence and ability to 'get out and about' allowing a certain quality of life. Without the Blue Badge, most people agreed that they would go out less often. The vast majority of Blue Badge holders felt that they had a good understanding of the rules and restrictions of using it. Misuse of the Blue Badge scheme was perceived as a significant issue; particularly the use of spaces by people without a Badge. Within focus groups participants were given the opportunity to suggest improvements to how the scheme operated. Suggestions included displaying Blue Badge card photographs while parking. Greater consistency of costs of applying for Badges across authorities was suggested. Some participants commented that although their own knowledge of the scheme was good - traffic wardens and the police did not understand the rules of where parking was allowed. Similarly, participants spoke of their negative experiences on public transport where bus drivers were not perceptive to the needs of the disabled person. Some discussed their perceptions of misuse of the Badge, which they agreed was a problem. Stricter penalties were thought to be necessary including clamping, towing of vehicles or points on the offender's driving licence. They believed that the Blue Badge scheme could be better enforced - through more training for traffic wardens. There should be more enforcement officers in private off-street car parks such as supermarkets and shopping centres where it was perceived there was little monitoring of Blue Badge spaces.

Title	Cycle Training in Primary Schools Research
Publication date	September 2011
Contractor	ODS Consulting
Purpose of research	This case study research explores the barriers to delivering on-road cycle training in eleven Scottish primary schools. It explores the experiences of these schools in planning, delivering and sustaining cycle training, including how some schools have overcome obstacles to introducing sustainable on-road cycle training programmes.
Main findings	Prior to this research being undertaken, there was limited evidence about on-road cycle training for primary school pupils in Scotland. This research has provided rich information about the experience of considering, planning, delivering and sustaining on-road cycle training at 11 schools in Scotland. This research has highlighted that there are barriers to on-road training in Scotland. The biggest barrier relates to attracting volunteers to deliver the training. On-road training is seen as requiring more volunteer resources than off-road training, to ensure a suitable ratio of adults to children. Volunteering as an on-road trainer is also seen as a significant responsibility. The research also demonstrates that many schools have successfully overcome barriers to run sustainable on-road cycle training programmes. On-road cycle training has been most sustainable where teachers and support staff are supportive of cycle training; where parents are supportive and keen to volunteer; and where support is available from the Road Safety Officer or Active Schools Co-ordinator. As the research focused on a small sample of 11 schools, it does not provide wider evidence about the extent and nature of on-road cycle training programmes across Scotland. However, it does demonstrate that a number of the case study schools have moved to on-road cycle training programmes in recent years, and that Road Safety Officers and Active Schools Co-ordinators have played a critical role in supporting and sustaining this shift. Overall, this research highlights that there is broad common agreement among the parents, teachers, volunteers, Road Safety Officers and Active Schools Co-ordinators interviewed in this research, that on-road cycle training is considerably more effective and more enjoyable for children than off-road cycle training.