European partners key to facing transport challenges

Transport has always been vital for the development of Scotland, with a long history of connections with European countries relating to tourism, commerce and communities. Into the future, it looks likely that the South East of Scotland will continue to face common challenges to our European partners in terms of transport, air quality and active travel. Therefore, the chance for Sestran (South East Scotland Regional Transport Partnership) to participate in a project with seven other city regions across Europe – Macedonia, Spain, Italy, Romania, Poland and Slovenia – wastoo good an opportunity to miss.

We have a common goal for the REGIO-MOB project, a commitment to improving regional transport and sharing experience gained by mak- ing changes. European regions are facing greater transport challenges while coping with higher congestion levels. With the population around the Edinburgh City Region scheduled to grow by over 20 per cent by 2040, involvement in this project is vital if we are to plan sustainably for the future and avoid congestion and pollution putting a significant strain on regional transport networks, the economy, environment and communities of South East Scotland.

The REGIO MOB project will analyse how different transport modes and low carbon and sustainable transport systems can deliver positive outcomes. We will discuss how we can remove barriers to the existing transport network, encourage employment in the South East of Scotland and benefit from innova-

A workshop provides a chance to share knowledge,

says Catriona Macdonald