RTS Re-fresh

North East Transport Consultative Forum

Tuesday 30th October 2012

Regional Transport Strategy

Approved by Scottish Ministers in 2008

£1 billion package of measures

Covering period to 2021

Separate delivery plan published in 2010

Main Issues Report

What has changed since the RTS was published in 2008?

– Policy

– Infrastructure

– Funding

Current trends and progress towards achieving the objectives

Trends forecast to 2030/35

Where we want to be in 2030/35

External changes since 2008European and National Policy EU White Paper on Transport

Climate Change legislation and guidance

Scottish Government Economic Strategy

Cycling Action Plan for Scotland

Scotland’s Cities: Delivering for Scotland

National Planning Framework 2

Designing Streets

Scottish Government Infrastructure Investment Plan

North East Policy changes since 2008 Structure Plan & Local Development Plans adopted

– In 2008 the RTS did not have the context of an up to date development plan

RTS Action Plans:– Health & Transport– Bus– Rail– Freight

Regional Parking Strategy

Road Casualty Reduction Strategy

Air Quality Action Plan (City Council)

Forecast trends to 2035 Population growth and housing requirement

– Structure Plan aims to increase population by around 30,000 between 2011 and 2035

– Allowance for 67,000 new homes in the same period

Cumulative impact on the transport network

Changing travel patterns

Trends towards increasing levels of obesity and poorer health

Uncertainty in the future cost of fuel

Consultation Question:

– Do the objectives and actions, as set out in the current RTS, remain valid and fit for purpose in light of these predicted trends

Consultation Questions

1. Does the MIR fairly reflect the changes in policy, funding and trends since the publication of the RTS in 2008?

2. Are there any other issues affecting the extension of the RTS that should be considered?

3. Are there any other trends that will influence the delivery of the RTS that need to be considered?

Proposed changes to the strategyExternal connections strategy

Inclusion of proposals to dual the A96, as included in the Scottish Government Infrastructure Investment Plan

Continue dialogue with Scottish Government and the Northern Isles ferry operator to ensure continuation of service.

Rail enhancements

– Aberdeen-Inverness

– Aberdeen-Central Belt

High Speed Rail

Aviation

Proposed changes to the strategyInternal connections strategy

Rephrase local rail improvements focussing on incremental delivery through individual projects.

Investigate the potential for further stations in the context of upgrades to the existing rail lines

Rail Action Plan review

Road capacity improvements to mitigate the cumulative impact of development – Strategic Transport Fund

New locations for strategic road capacity and safety improvements

– Prioritisation

Explore the potential for Park & Ride mini-hubs

Internal connections strategy cont…

A focus on improving surface access to Aberdeen Airport by all modes, rather than just bus.

Improved access for public transport at Dyce railway station

Less specific in relation to access to the airport, reference to high quality transport links.

Public transport improvements to mitigate the cumulative impact of development

Addition of smart ticketing for public transport

Reference to the pedestrianisation of Union Street

Greater emphasis on developing a connected and strategic cycle network

Strategic policy framework Develop an active travel action plan

Continue to promote and strengthen the Getabout brand

Removal of specific reference to TMOs – encourage businesses to co-operate on travel planning

Inclusion of car club schemes alongside carshare initiatives

Specific reference to the delivery of the Health & Transport Action Plan

Support enforcement measures to improve the operation of bus lanes

Support the development and trial of new technologies

Support measures that encourage the uptake of alternative fuels

Demand management and other measures to maximise the benefits of road investment

An active and inclusive approach to engagement and consultation

Next Steps Main Issues Report for consultation

Formally refer to the two Councils for comment

SEA and EIA

Members’ Workshop

NETCF meeting with stakeholders

Opportunity for more detailed discussions with partners if required

Final re-fresh to Board for approval

Final output – a revised actions table as an addendum to the existing RTS document

Submission to Scottish Ministers