The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Council raises concern over transport in Scotland
Transportation head blasts ‘chronic lack of investment’
Scotland’s transport system is suffering from a “chronic lack of investment” at all levels, according to bosses at Angus Council.
Roads and transportation head Walter Scott has signed off a written response to the consultation on Transport Scotland’s national strategy – the Scottish Government’s vision for the sector over the next 20 years.
It claims at least one key policy promise – “to provide a transport system that is equally accessible for all’ – is “not considered to be deliverable.”
It also repeatedly requests further “clarity” on key points and says some links between “challenges” and the policies meant to tackle them are “poor”.
Mr Scott’s response, sent before
“At a local government level diminishing revenue settlements presents a challenge on what can be done. WALTER SCOTT
the consultation closed on October 23 but presented to councillors last week, highlights the effect of continued budget cuts and warns the strategy “may raise false expectations” among local communities, with councils potentially carrying the can for any perceived failings.
It states: “The transport system in Scotland at all levels is suffering from an overall chronic lack of investment.
“At a local government level diminishing revenue settlements presents a challenge on what can be done to maintain the current level of our transport systems and to develop these in an affordable and sustainable way.”
The draft National Transport Strategy 2 redefines investment priorities, attempting to “put sustainable and public transport at the heart of decisionmaking”.
Angus Provost Ronnie Proctor said: “It is a good response and exactly what we have been saying on (regional transport partnership) Tactran.
“We do require more clarity but I think we are going, no pun intended, down the road in the right direction.”