Pleatohelpcut congestion

Perth-based Stagecoach is urging politicians to take tough action on congestion and put buses at the heart of their plans to improve air quality in Perth.

The transport giant has written to MPs, MSPs and councillors to warn of the growing impact of congestion and to give examples of the ways in which the problem is affecting its passengers every day.

Research it recently commissioned shows morning peak journey times from Walnut Grove into Perth city centre have increased by 33 per cent since 2010 and some journey times in Perthshire are now up to 48 per cent longer during evening peak times than at other times of the day.

Stagecoach East Scotland managing director Paul Thomas said:“This is not specifically about Stagecoach, or any other bus company – it’s about the impact of congestion on bus passengers and other road users in the area and the situation simply cannot continue if we are to continue improving the local bus network and improving the local environment.

“Our passengers are paying the price for short-sighted policies that have led us to this point – we urgently need politicians to take practical action to get our towns and cities moving again.

“Buses are key to delivering this – effective bus networks can boost the local economy, improve traffic flow, reduce air pollution and help improve air quality.

“We are playing our part by investing in improvements for customers including in digital technology, new routes and new vehicles, but we need politicians to play their part to help buses flourish. All of the tools exist for them to take action now.”

In its letter to politicians Stagecoach has offered to meet with elected members to talk through the local issues, traffic hotspots and potential solutions, including changes that can be made to road infrastructure and layout, traffic management systems and priority schemes.

It comes after nationwide research suggested drivers spend an average of 31 hours a year in congestion during peak hours.