A NE FOR A'

Local Transport Strategy Appendix 1: Transport Achievements 38 Contents Page Appendix 2: Traffic Growth 44 Executive Summary 4 Appendix 3: Traffic Data 46 1. Introduction 6 Appendix 4: Consultation Summary 52 2. The Vision for Transport in the Falkirk Council Area 7 Appendix 5: Road Safety Plan Separate Document 3. Policy Background for Strategy 10 Annex 1: STAG Appraisal 4. Active and Sustainable Travel 12 Annex 2: Consultation Results 5. Public Transport - Bus and Rail 14 Annex 3: Equality Impact Assessment and 6. Accessible Transport 17 Equality and Poverty Assessment 7. Motorcycling 19 8. Road Safety and Network Management 21 9. Road Network Review and Maintenance 23 10. Parking 25 11. Town Centre Access 26 12. Regional Transport 28 13. Freight 31 14. Air Quality and Noise 33 15. Road Traffic Reduction 35

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This is Falkirk Council’s third Local Transport Strategy • Accessibility – to improve accessibility for those with emerging Local Development Plan that replaces the (LTS) and covers the period 2014 onwards. It will set out limited transport choice or no access to a car, current Structure Plan and Local Plan. All these the Council’s overarching transport vision: particularly those who live in rural areas. strategies have involved the public in their preparation. “to provide a transport network… which allows people • Environment – to ensure that development is Extensive public consultation has been carried out at a reasonable choice of travel options as part of a safe, achieved in an environmentally sustainable manner each stage of developing the LTS and has significantly reliable, convenient, accessible and sustainable transport contributed to the overall policy direction being pursued. • Safety and Health – to promote a healthier and system”. more active SEStran area population Since the last LTS in 2006, there have been significant A strategy of promoting walking, cycling, motorcycling transport achievements in the Falkirk Council area (see This strategy seeks to achieve a balance in transport and public transport with some car restraint will be in Appendix 1). Just over £25 million has been spent on provision, within the resources available. The Council line with the three strategic outcomes of the Scottish transport capital projects during this period that has recognises that whilst the car fulfils an important function Government’s National Transport Strategy: enabled, among other things: for a variety of journey purposes unrestrained growth in • Improve journey times and connections – to tackle car usage cannot be accommodated indefinitely by • Implemented A904 Grangemouth Road Crossing congestion and the lack of integration and engineering measures. Growing traffic congestion impacts Facilities connections in transport which impact on our high negatively on all road users, will cause deterioration in air • Implemented upgrading of Bo’ness Town Centre to level objectives for economic growth, social inclusion, quality and quality of life, and have serious consequences benefit pedestrian environment integration and safety; for the economic wellbeing of the area. • Implemented Braes paths improvements resulting • Reduce emissions, to tackle issues of climate change, In supporting and promoting more sustainable travel from community consultation air quality, and health improvement which impact on modes to encourage modal shift, whilst improving the our high level objective for protecting the efficiency of the road network is the policy approach • Implemented Bo’ness / Blackness paths environment and improving health: and being implemented through this LTS. The evaluation improvements from community consultation carried out shows that this approach best meets our (excluding Blackness- Bo’ness shore route) • Improve quality, accessibility and affordability, to give objectives for transport across the Council area. It must people a choice of public transport, where availability • Developed local networks suitable for walking also be acknowledged however, that whilst the policies means better quality transport services and value for around every settlement in the Falkirk Council area contained in this transport strategy are designed to limit money or an alternative to the car. continued traffic growth, the strategy itself is unlikely to • Bowtrees Roundabout to Bowtrees Cottage Cycle/ The strategy will also be in line with the vision of the solve the growing problem of traffic congestion. Instead Footpath Regional Transport Strategy produced by SEStran (South it is probable that traffic congestion will continue to • Provide Cycle Parking facilities at shopping centres, East Scotland Transport Partnership): increase across the Council area. health and leisure centres • Economy – to ensure transport facilities encourage The LTS is set in the context of the Strategic Community • First stage pilot project under auspices of Take the economic growth, regional prosperity and vitality in a Plan, Sustainable Falkirk and other partnership working in

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE Right Route sustainable manner My Future’s in Falkirk (MFIF), as well as the Council’s

4 • Improved multi user route access to Camelon and • Completion of the A9 / Icehouse Brae Junction that satisfy the five transport objectives and the Council’s Larbert railway stations Improvement, Laurieston; overarching transport vision. • Produced Supplementary Planning Guidance for • Construction of Phase 1 of the Denny Eastern Transport delivery in Scotland has changed since the Developers to develop Travel Plans Access Road, and; publication of the last LTS with the establishment of Transport Scotland, and Regional Transport Partnerships. • Operational car sharing database for Falkirk Council • Construction of the M876 Glenbervie Slip Roads The Council is continuing to work with, and as part of, area junctions these organisations to deliver a safe, reliable, convenient • Complete School Travel Assessments at all 56 Over the first 3 years of this LTS there may be around and accessible transport system to serve the travel needs Schools in Falkirk Council Area £21 million available for spending on transport and of the people of Falkirk. The policies contained within this flooding (depending on developer contributions). In • Install cycle parking and playground markings at 7 LTS reflect national, regional, and local aspirations and will addition the Council will have Tax Incremental Funding schools hopefully allow the steps to be taken to achieve the for other large scale infrastructure projects. This strategy Council’s vision for transport both in the short term and • 20mph signing installed at all schools sets out the policies which will help deliver any projects the long term. • Continuing development of the cycle network within and between settlements; • Production and adoption of a Core Paths Plan; • Ongoing work with local schools and employers to implement travel plan initiatives; • Extension of Larbert Station car park • Ongoing support of tendered bus services; • Producing the detailed design of A801 Avon Gorge Improvement scheme; • Ongoing maintenance of the Council’s road, footway, bridges and structures stock; • Production of a Road Maintenance Plan; • Ongoing detailed structural inspection of the street lighting stock; EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This Local Transport Strategy (LTS) sets out how the 1.6 Chapters 4 to 14 give a comprehensive view of the transport vision for the Falkirk Council area will be transport policies this strategy will be taking forward achieved and the work to be implemented over the including the main challenges and what the future coming years. This strategy is set in the context of the direction of transport policy in the Council area will be. Government’s Transport White Paper; “Scotland’s 1.7 The Council has a statutory obligation to produce a Transport Future” published in June 2004 and has been Road Traffic Reduction Plan and this is contained in prepared in accordance with guidance issued by the Chapter 15 Scottish Executive in March 2005. 1.8 Consultation exercises have been carried out at each 1.2 A considerable amount of work has already been done stage in the process of producing this LTS (the results are through our previous Local Transport Strategies, but the contained in Appendix 4). These have shaped the final increasing demand for high quality travel options, and the form of the Council’s transport strategy and included: need to meet this demand in a sustainable way, means further work is required to minimise the negative • Questionnaires to business stakeholders impacts that travel can generate. This document sets out • Questionnaire for the Citizens Panel the policies that will help combat the effects of traffic growth whilst promoting sustainable active travel choices. • Sixteen roadshow events around the Council area (in conjunction with the emerging Local 1.3 Chapter 2 details the vision and objectives of this Local Development Plan) Transport Strategy. The vision and objectives have taken their basis from those set out in the Transport White • Further public consultation through website and Paper and have been confirmed through public public libraries. consultation exercises. An appraisal of the consultation 1.9 This Local Transport Strategy will be sent to the Scottish process, in accordance with the Scottish Transport Government and will hopefully assist in bidding for Appraisal Guidance (STAG) has been carried out on the funding for future transport projects. consultation process and the results are contained in the appendices. 1.4 Chapter 2 also deals with the results of applying the Strategic Environmental Assessment Guidance. A copy of the screening report and responses from the statutory consultees is contained in the appendices. 1.5 Chapter 3 sets the LTS in the context of national and

1. INTRODUCTION regional policy and explains how the LTS contributes to the wider Council vision and objectives.

6 2. THE VISION FOR TRANSPORT IN THE FALKIRK COUNCIL AREA

2.1 The Council’s Transport Vision is: Objective 2 To provide a transport network both within the Council To contribute to community regeneration through area and linking to surrounding areas, which allows promoting social inclusion: people a reasonable choice of travel options as part of a safe, reliable, convenient, accessible and sustainable • by promoting the provision of accessible transport transport system. To enable people to travel when and options, particularly to disadvantaged, remote and where they wish, regardless of their level of income, socially deprived areas physical ability or access to a car. To achieve a transport • by maximising the opportunity to travel by system that caters for the car, but is not dominated by it. alternative modes of transport to the car Objectives Objective 3 2.2 To achieve this Transport Vision the Council has To protect the environment by minimising the impact developed a number of key objectives. These objectives that transport can have on it and to improve health by are based on those contained in the Scottish promoting more active travel: Governments Transport White Paper 1, and reflect the • by encouraging more travel by foot, bicycle, underlying themes of the Strategic Community Plans and motorcycle, bus and rail Development Plans. Objective 1 • by working with the health sector to encourage more walking and cycling To Support the growth of the local economy in a • by ensuring new transport infrastructure is delivered sustainable way: Objective 5 to support sustainable travel choices To improve integration between different forms of • to promote and increase the use of sustainable Objective 4 forms of transport to the eight strategic transport: employment development sites. To improve safety for all those using the transport • by working with partners to improve through- network: • seeking to locate new development in locations that ticketing minimise the number and length of car trips. • by working to reduce accidents • by working with partners to improve connectivity • by improving safety for transport users, operators, between different transport services pedestrians and cyclists • by ensuring easily accessible and up to date information is available to enable travel decisions 1. Scotland’s Transport Future, Scottish Executive, June 2004 based on a full knowledge of the travel options

available 2.AREA COUNCIL FALKIRK THE IN TRANSPORT FOR VISION THE

7 2.3 The objectives of the Local Transport Strategy must be therefore try to be addressed by encouraging a shift to 2.9 By giving priority to and encouraging the use of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and other modes of transport. alternative means of travel to the car we hope to Time-bound). reduce the rate of growth of congestion in the Council 2.6 The approach of this strategy is to make cycling, walking area. At present congestion tends to be a peak hour 2.4 This Local Transport Strategy will focus on current and public transport more accessible through improved problem, however, on some of the main radial routes transport policy (local, regional and national) being facilities and improved information. into Falkirk itself, congestion can lead to the peak time continued to be implemented in the Falkirk Council area. 2.7 A review of parking policy will be carried out to spreading over an extended period. Reducing the The main objective will be to promote and enhance determine the necessary regime to discourage long stay number of cars on the road will have major facilities for cycling and walking and to make journeys by commuter parking in Falkirk town centre and unnecessary environmental benefits including a reduction in emissions, public transport a realistic alternative to the car for a car use. This will be carried out after each town centre car reduced traffic related noise and less community larger section of the population in spite of reduced parking survey. Car parking charges within Falkirk Town severance. available funding streams. centre are reviewed annually to determine whether any 2.10 Reducing congestion has a positive impact on the local 2.5 We aim to discourage unnecessary car use but still increase will be implemented. A balance has to be struck economy. Reducing unnecessary delays and the acknowledge that the car may be the only realistic option to ensure that any parking regime does not affect the associated cost to business may lead to new investment for some people and for certain types of journeys. We economic vitality of our town centres. or greater investment thus retaining jobs and perhaps will also strive to manage traffic to maximise the capacity 2.8 The social inclusion and health benefits from promoting increasing employment opportunities in the Falkirk of the existing road network and providing greater public cycling, walking, and public transport will contribute to Council area. transport priority. The current level of peak time community regeneration and the wellbeing of the congestion in and around Falkirk cannot be sustained 2.11 Safety is paramount in any strategy and we hope that 2.AREA COUNCIL FALKIRK THE IN TRANSPORT FOR VISION THE population. indefinitely through engineering solutions and should through promoting cycling, walking and public transport

8 this strategy will reduce traffic growth and subsequently Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) TABLE 2.1 Transport Strategy Contributions to LTS Objectives reduce overall accident numbers. 2.17 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the process 2.12 For those using public transport, it is envisaged that this that is used to assess the potential effects that specific OBJECTIVE STRATEGY strategy will provide positive benefits through including plans or programmes may have on the environment. The initiatives to improve safety and security both on the SEA process is split into the following stages: 1. Economy + transport mode itself and for the waiting environment. • Screening – whereby the need for carrying out a 2. Community Regeneration/ 2.13 Overall, our Transport Strategy would provide the + SEA is established; Social Inclusion benefits of promoting social inclusion and community • Scoping – identifies the scope and level of detail of regeneration, improving health and fitness, reducing the 3. Environment + environmental impact of transport on the community, information to be included in Environmental Report aiding the local economy, and improving transport (ER) and the period for consultation on ER. There is 4. Safety + integration and safety. also formal consultation with the Consultation Authorities (Scottish Ministers, Scottish Natural 5. Integration + 2.14 Table 2.1 below summarises the contribution the Heritage and Scottish Environment Protection transport strategy would make to the five LTS objectives. Agency); The strategy will provide a positive contribution to these + Likely positive contribution to objective objectives. • Reporting – Consultation Authorities review ER and strategy considering the ER, the adequacy of the - likely negative contribution to objective 2.15 This position is confirmed by the Scottish Transport SEA, the effectiveness of mitigation measures and Appraisal Guidance (STAG) assessment which has been monitoring measures proposed; carried out on the strategy option. This STAG appraisal is set out in the Appraisal Summary Tables (ASTs) • Monitoring – the effects of implementing the plan / contained in Annex 1. strategy must be monitored. 2.16 This Local Transport Strategy sets out how Falkirk 2.18 A screening exercise was carried and the advice given by Councils transport vision will be delivered by Consultation Authorities was that there would be no implementing a strategy promoting cycling, walking and overall likelihood of significant environmental effects as a use of public transport whilst maximising efficient use of result of our Strategy. Any major road schemes which the road network and discouraging unnecessary use of may satisfy this strategy are contained within the the car. emerging Local Development Plan and as such will be covered by the SEA that has been prepared for that plan. 2.AREA COUNCIL FALKIRK THE IN TRANSPORT FOR VISION THE

9 3. POLICY BACKGROUND

National and Regional Policy Considerations National Transport Strategy • The guiding principle of the SPP is that development should be related to a pattern of development that National Planning Framework 2 3.4 The then Scottish Executive published the National reduces the need to travel, facilitates travel by public Transport Strategy in December 2006 which has three 3.1 The National Planning Framework 2 (NPF2) has the transport and freight movement by rail or water and strategic outcomes at its core: prime objective of taking forward the spatial aspects and provides safe and convenient opportunities for setting out a strategy for long term development over • Improved journey times and connections – to tackle walking and cycling. the next 25 years. NPF2 continues the Scottish congestion and the lack of integration and • Transport and Land Use have a strong influence on Government’s commitment to realising the potential of connections in transport which impact on our high sustainable economic growth and therefore the LTS places, highlighting economic and environmental level objectives for economic growth, social inclusion, and Local Development Plans should be opportunities in each and every part of Scotland. integration and safety. complementary and take account of Regional Transport White Paper • Reduced emissions – to tackle the issues of climate Transport Strategies and Strategic Development change, air quality and health improvement which Plans to ensure consistency. 3.2 As with the NPF2, the Scottish Government has issued impact on our high level of objective for protecting guidance on national transport policy. In June 2004 the Regional Transport Strategy the environment and improving health. Scottish Government issued its transport White Paper 3.7 SEStran is a statutory partnership of 8 local authorities ‘Scotland’s Transport Future’ which sets out the direction • Improved quality, accessibility, and affordability – to and covers the south-east of Scotland to deliver the aims of transport policy in Scotland over the coming years. In give people the choice of public transport, where and objectives for strategic transport in the region and the White Paper the vision for Scotland’s transport availability means better quality transport services assisting in delivery of regional transport projects. future is defined as: and value for money or an alternative to the car. SEStran published its latest Regional Transport Strategy “An accessible Scotland with safe, integrated and reliable 3.5 The LTS will have a role in feeding into the national and (RTS) in 2008 and covers the period up to 2023. The transport that supports economic growth, provides regional transport strategy processes and it is envisaged current RTS is under review. opportunities for all and is easy to use…” that under this structure, local government would still 3.8 The RTS is based on four high level objectives of deliver the majority of transport initiatives whether 3.3 The objectives of the white paper are to promote Economy, Accessibility, Environment and Safety and national, regional or local. economic growth, promote social inclusion, protect our Health. The RTS is also based on three specific initiatives: Scottish Planning Policy SPP and PAN75 environment, improve safety and to improve integration. • Region-wide initiatives affecting the whole of the These national objectives are reflected in our local 3.6 The Scottish Government published the Scottish Planning SEStran area. objectives. The main target of the White Paper is Policy in February 2010. This is supported by Planning stabilising road traffic volumes at 2001 levels by 2021. • Initiatives for specific areas and groups aimed at Advice Note 75. These documents set out the role that Falkirk Council must put in place, through Local accessibility and minimum levels of service. land use planning can play in the implementation of Transport Strategy Policies, measures to achieve this. national transport policy and advise authorities on the • Network based initiatives looking at infrastructure interpretation of transport policy. The main principles and public transport on principal travel corridors. 3.BACKGROUND POLICY contained in the SPP and PAN 75 are as follows.

10 3.13 The Structure Plan sets out the growth strategy for the Council area with the key elements being: • Concentrating new employment on eight major strategic development sites; • Providing sufficient new housing land to facilitate an increase in the population of the area • Identifying and applying appropriate levels of protection to landscape, ecological and heritage assets, and, • Seeking to locate new development in locations that minimise the number and length of car trips. 3.14 The Local Plan is the delivery mechanism for the strategic policies set out in the Structure Plan and Local Policy Considerations • Our future has investment in jobs, learning, homes and Strategic Community Plan. The Local Plan supports leisure for all. Strategic Community Plan sustainable transport through locating development sites where car trips are minimised and infrastructure is • Our area is the place to be in the third millennium. 3.9 The Strategic Community Plan provides the vision and available to encourage the use of more sustainable strategic priorities for the future of all communities in the 3.11 In terms of transport, the SCP seeks to promote and modes of travel. Where the infrastructure is not available, Falkirk Council area and has been developed in potentially increase the use of sustainable forms of through the Local Plan and Development Management partnership with a number of key agencies and transport which minimise the impact on the process, developer contributions are sought to enable stakeholders. The current plan covers the year 2010 to environment. Implementation of the LTS therefore is the infrastructure improvements required for cycling, 2015. fundamental to meeting this vision of the SCP. walking, and public transport to be implemented. 3.10 The SCP sets out the main vision for the Council area. Development Plan Local Strategies Contributing to LTS Objectives This vision includes: 3.12 The development plan currently comprises the Structure 3.15 There are various other Falkirk Council Strategy • The legacy of our past and the potential of our future are Plan and Local Plan, however these are soon to be documents that contribute to the objectives of the LTS. protected. replaced by the Local Development Plan. The existing These documents include Outdoor Access Strategy, Structure Plan was approved in 2007 and the Local Plan Economic Development Strategy, the Community Safety • Our area is at the centre of Scottish life. adopted in 2010. Strategy and the Sustainable Development and Climate • Our future is one of the most culturally diverse and Change Strategy. distinct areas in Scotland. 3.BACKGROUND POLICY

11 4. SUSTAINABLE ACTIVE TRAVEL

Introduction / Background • Promotion of Active and Sustainable Travel • Achievement of Cycle Friendly awards 4.1 The National Transport Strategy for Scotland’s vision is • School and business Travel Planning • Staff cycle training “…of an accessible Scotland with safe, integrated and 4.5 A Travel Plan is a tool to influence travel choices, and a • Guided bike rides reliable transport that supports economic growth, means to achieving Active and Sustainable Travel School Travel Plans: provides opportunities for all and is easy to use. Tackling objectives. It is a package of measures aimed at reducing • School Travel Plan pack and awards congestion, integrating services and infrastructure, the number of car journeys; in particular single improving connections and accessibility will all encourage occupancy trips, to and from a development or • Online support through Glow website individuals to make different choices about their residential area. It should encourage the use of • School travel assessments preferred method of travel”. sustainable transport and aim to reduce the impact of a • Walk to School activities development on the surrounding road network. 4.2 The South East of Scotland Transport Partnership • Cycle training (SEStran)’s Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) contains a Achievements and Challenges “…strong emphasis on Smarter Choice measures – • Hands Up Survey influencing travel behaviour at the level of the individual 4.6 In meeting our objective of positively influencing the Travel Plans: travel choices made within the Council area, the through personalise planning and information”. The RTS • Travel Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance further states that “Increased use of walk/cycle is a Sustainable Transport Team have made many notable • Positive Choice Travel project launch win/win scenario – motorised travel is reduced and there achievements. The following identifies some of the are health benefits to the nation – the RTS encourages highlights. • Travel Plan related events with local businesses this”. Strategic network improvements: • Travel Plans for major developments 4.3 An overarching objective for Falkirk Council in terms of • National Cycle Network Route 76 • Pool cars Active and Sustainable Travel is to positively influence the • Routes to School including 20mph zones • Pool bikes travel choices made within the Council area. In some • Community Links cases this will be achieved through provision of better • TripshareFalkirk infrastructure and services, driven by the needs of • Links to rail stations Travel Awareness and Information: existing and potential users. Equally important is the • Cycle parking at schools and key locations • Take the Right Route marketing campaign effective promotion of Active and Sustainable Travel • Pedestrian and cycling signage • Personal Travel Planning through a programme of targeted marketing. Walking and Cycling: • Maps e.g. Green Travel Map, community guides 4.4 The Council’s Sustainable Transport Team covers a wide range of functions such as: • Walk and Talk events • Website • Partnership working with health walk providers • Public events • Strategic planning and delivery of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure • Children’s Bike Club • Mass distribution of travel information 4.TRAVEL ACTIVE SUSTAINABLE • Bike Week activities

12 4.7 The challenges facing the development of Active and We will continue to: ACTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL POLICIES Sustainable Travel in the Falkirk Council area include: • deliver marketing campaigns promoting Active and ASTP1 The Council will continue to promote and increase • Managing perceptions through the provision of Sustainable modes of travel awareness of Active and Sustainable Transport. accurate and accessible information • monitor the cycling and walking network ASTP2 The Council will continue to enhance, where possible, • Increasing awareness of Active and Sustainable the existing path network and develop multi-use paths • develop the strategic walking and cycling network modes of travel and their associated benefits and improved pedestrian and cycling signage as a major • deliver Personal Travel Planning contribution to the network. • Making cycling and walking safer and more accessible ASTP3 The Council will improve the pedestrian and cycling through network improvements, signage and • engage with schools and businesses to develop environment in heavily used areas and will ensure that Travel Plans publicity new developments and new traffic management and • Securing robust Travel Plans including effective • undertake two Hands Up Surveys in schools per maintenance schemes encourage and enable easy access monitoring through the Planning process year by foot and cycle. ASTP4 • Investigating and securing funding from a variety of • monitor and update information on the Take the All new developments which meet the requirements for sources when available Right Route section of the Falkirk Council website a transport assessment will be required to produce a Travel Plan, to ensure easy access by Active and The Future • deliver Bikeability Scotland cycle training and develop Sustainable modes. a programme of led cycle rides with partner 4.8 Falkirk Council will meet its commitment to Active and ASTP5 The Council will help to develop Travel Plans for new organisations and volunteers. Sustainable Travel by adopting a three stage process of and existing businesses; and will continue to support engagement with the communities of Falkirk: • Undertake a review of the School Travel Plan schools in the development and implementation of surveys. School Travel Plans. • Step 1: Inform people about sustainable travel ASTP6 The Council will work with schools and other partners options to educate children about the benefits of walking and • Step 2: Encourage them to take part and cycling and encourage them to walk and cycle to and from school wherever possible. • Step 3: Identify actions they can take to change their behaviour. 4.9 As part of this: • Everyone will have access to information, materials and incentives to make day to day Active and Sustainable Travel a realistic choice 4.TRAVEL ACTIVE SUSTAINABLE 5. PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Introduction / Background 5.5 In order to mitigate the concerns any passengers may the worst congestion, making service times more have on personal security public transport interchanges predictable throughout the day. 5.1 An attractive and convenient public transport system is and waiting areas should, where possible, be designed to Bus Travel an essential component of a transport policy minimise these concerns. encouraging more sustainable travel. The Falkirk Council 5.10 To improve public transport information we are 5.6 Raising awareness of how to access information on area has, at present, a reasonably efficient and frequent continuing to maintain bus timetable displays and current public transport services will hopefully improve bus service throughout most of its area. approximately 50% of bus stops in the Council area have the use of public transport. The difficulty is that for those information at them. Information is currently provided by 5.2 The Falkirk Council area also benefits from having 5 who have never used their local bus service before, it can Traveline Scotland, the national travel information railway stations located on the Edinburgh, Glasgow, be difficult to find out where bus services operate. Stirling triangle. These stations provide inter-urban travel database, of which the Council is a shareholder, via a 24hr and connect Falkirk north to Aberdeen and Inverness 5.7 Public transport can be difficult or impossible for people a day helpline, website and mobile phone application. with disabilities, or parents with pushchairs to use. and south to Glasgow, Edinburgh and beyond. Rail is an 5.11 The Council has complied with the Transport (Scotland) However this should addressed by the Disability important form of transport for commuting between Act 2001 requirement to produce a public transport Discrimination Act and Equalities Act. Falkirk, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Rail also provides for information strategy. This strategy details what local bus some local travel between stations in the Council area 5.8 For rail, an additional barrier is presented by the information should be made available to the public and but this is limited compared with the service the bus pedestrian bridges crossing the rail lines themselves. For the way in which this information should be provided. network provides for local journeys. example, at Falkirk High and Polmont stations access to The objective of the strategy is to help existing public 5.3 Taxis also play a valuable part in public transport the Glasgow bound platforms for wheelchair bound transport users and target non-users to help increase provision and are used in conjunction with other forms users are circuitous in order to avoid pedestrian bridges patronage. with steps (although an improvement on what existed of transport. They also perform a key role in short local 5.12 Both the Transport Act 1985 and the Transport previously). For taxi use, both cost and physical journeys. The Falkirk Council area has a fleet of 528 (Scotland) Act 2001 place a requirement on the local accessibility issues tend to present the main barriers to licensed vehicles of which around 101 are wheelchair authority to provide a policy document for the usage. accessible. procurement of public transport services and to formally Achievements and Challenges 5.9 The key to meeting the challenge of increasing public consult on this. The Council has produced such a transport use and reducing travel by car is therefore to document detailing its policy and procedures on 5.4 The convenience of travelling by car makes using public make public transport as frequent, safe, convenient, value procuring public transport services for the Council area. transport less attractive than car travel. Public transport for money and reliable as possible. To achieve this 5.13 In terms of integration, the Council continues to support suffers from perceived issues of journey reliability, poor information needs to be easily understood and easy to the SEStran (South East Scotland Transport Partnership) quality or infrequent services, and high fares. In the access in a number of formats and the services offered OneTicket initiative. This enables through tickets to be Falkirk Council area most of the smaller towns and must serve the origins and destinations people want to purchased through out the south east of Scotland and villages have a direct transport link to Falkirk. Journeys by travel between. Reliability needs to be improved needs public transport are generally longer than that by car therefore should make interchange between services 5.TRANSPORT PUBLIC to be built into the transport system this could be more straightforward. which can make public transport less attractive. achieved by allowing public transport vehicles to bypass

14 5.14 To ensure safety for those travelling by public transport, Year Larbert Camelon Falkirk(2) Polmont Total the Council continues to maintain and improve street lighting. This is a key element in helping to minimise the 1997/98 266,751 45,432 1,085,066 346,269 1,743,518 fear of using public transport at night and is particularly relevant for the walking routes to and from bus stops 1998/99 280,637 51,522 1,116,504 355,848 1,804,511 and at the stop itself. Rail Travel 1999/00 299,741 48,844 1,191,325 384,199 1,924,109

5.15 To facilitate more travel by rail the Council has worked 2000/01 331,471 54,834 1,198,556 408,021 1,992,882 with the rail industry to increase the car parking provision at Falkirk High and Polmont stations, an 2001/02 339,912 61,493 1,195,985 436,943 2,034,333 additional 50 spaces were provided at Falkirk High with an extra 100 at Polmont. Both car parks are currently 2002/03 344,145 60,952 1,221,377 452,450 2,078,924 well used. An additional 58 car parking spaces are planned at Falkirk High Station. With the aid of funding 2003/04 398,287 72,986 1,323,516 502,543 2,297,332 from SEStran a new 244 space car park was constructed at Larbert Railway Station in 2007 and is currently well 2004/05 427,937 82,958 1,492,852 586,796 2,590,543 used. 2005/06 469,311 89,934 1,523,772 586,796 2,669,813 5.16 In the Council’s emerging Local Development Plan land is currently safeguarded for rail station sites at Bonnybridge 2006/07 493,107 90,478 1,548,961 617,754 2,750,299 and Grangemouth. 2007/08 5.17 Travel by train has been steadily growing since the mid 549,268 96,593 1,593,205 634,741 2,873,808 1990s with substantial growth in the last few years. Since 2008/09 the publication of the previous LTS in 2006 there has 610,166 97,293 1,548,900 640,081 2,896,440 been an 11% increase in patronage. Larbert has seen the 2009/10 highest individual station growth with a rise of just over 659,899 92,071 1,515,017 652,190 2,919,177 51% over the same time period. This growth is illustrated 2010/11 711,469 98,606 1,518,225 661,055 2,989,356 in Figure 6.3. 2011/12 Figure 6.3 (right) 747,710 104,505 1,495,482 687,881 3,035,578 Rail Travel To and From Stations in Falkirk Council Area 2012/13 770,462 110,860 1,472,660 695,318 3,049,300 Total Patronage, Sources: British Rail, ScotRail 5.TRANSPORT PUBLIC

15 Concessionary Travel The Future PUBLIC TRANSPORT POLICIES 5.18 Transport Scotland provide free concessionary bus travel 5.22 Funding sources will be sought to provide new bus PT1 The Council will continue to work with local bus for elderly and disabled residents throughout Scotland. shelters and infrastructure upgrades. Travel information operators to ensure the bus network, and services Taxi Travel will be provided through timetable cases at bus stops, offered, are as comprehensive as funding allows and and real time information. The Council will also continue meet the needs of the travelling public when making 5.19 Taxis and private hire vehicles play an important role in to work with bus operators to provide information and journeys in and beyond the Falkirk Council area. public transport provision in that they complement most service enhancements. The Council will implement the PT2 The Council will continue to work with local bus other modes of travel by efficiently providing links at the recommendations of the Public Transport Information operators and Traveline Scotland to provide the public beginning, end or between sections of a journey. Falkirk Strategy to improve ease of access to information thus with easily understood and easily accessible travel Council currently has 442 taxis and 86 private hire enabling people to make the choice of travelling by information in a variety of formats. licenses. There are 101 wheelchair accessible vehicles public transport where feasible. within the fleet. There are 17 taxi ranks across the PT3 The Council will continue to provide new and upgraded 5.23 The Council will work in partnership with SEStran and Council area with a small number of private ranks also public transport infrastructure as funding permits to bus operators to introduce Real Time Passenger operating at locations such as large supermarkets and provide a safe, clean and convenient travel experience. Information. Central Retail Park. PT4 The Council will work with bus operators to secure the 5.24 The Council will continue to upgrade the traffic signal 5.20 In 2002 the Council introduced the restriction that new upgrading of Falkirk Bus Station to improve interchange controlled junctions on its radial routes to improve taxi licenses would only be issued to accessible vehicles. facilities if opportunities occur. access for buses into and around the town centre. The objective of this was to encourage a greater number PT5 The Council will work with the Scottish Government, of accessible vehicles so taxis are better able to serve the 5.25 An extension to the parking provision at Falkirk High Transport Scotland, SEStran, local authorities and public travelling public regardless of any disability. The Council Station, with an additional 58 spaces, identified for transport operators to promote and implement regional runs a Taxi Forum that meets around twice a year to construction within the next 5 years. and national initiatives. consult with the taxi trade and work to provide a high 5.26 The Council where possible and practicable introduce quality service. PT6 The Council will continue to work with the taxi trade to bus lanes on the A803 Glasgow Road corridor. ensure the people of Falkirk benefit from an accessible, 5.21 In terms of integration between taxi and other transport high quality service. modes, 4 of the 5 railway stations have taxi ranks serving them and a rank adjacent to Falkirk bus station caters for PT7 The Council will continue to work with the Scottish integration with travel by bus. Government and rail operators to improve access to railway stations and encourage more travel by train. 5.TRANSPORT PUBLIC

16 6. ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORT

Introduction / Background Achievements and Challenges 6.1 The Council supports a variety of initiatives that positively 6.6 The need for accessible transport is likely to increase contribute to the social inclusion and community over time as future forecasts indicate the trend in the UK regeneration agendas by widening travel choice. For is for an ageing population. At the same time people example Order of Malta Dial-A-Journey Ltd, operates a have higher expectations regarding where, when and door-to-door fully accessible transport service for people how they travel. The demand for more accessible with disabilities across the Falkirk Council area. transport services is therefore likely to grow. 6.2 The Blue Badge parking scheme enables people who 6.7 The challenge will be to provide the types of services, the cannot walk more than short distances to park close to quality expected, and the flexibility to meet individual their destination. There are currently just under 8,500 needs and to ensure quality of life within available registered Blue Badge holders in the Falkirk area who transport budgets. The Council is trying to create a benefit from being able to use specially designated streetscape that, by the provision of suitable facilities at The Future spaces, park free in Council car parks and unrestricted crossings, assists those with limited mobility or visual parking on-street (provided they do not cause an impairment. These facilities are required across the 6.11 Falkirk Council will continue to review the provision of obstruction or hazard). The Council also provides, Council area. There is also an increasing demand for the travel needs of those with mobility issues in the where appropriate, on-street disabled parking bays in access to the countryside for people with limited mobility. Falkirk Council area. residential areas to assist those with limited mobility to 6.8 Travel trends also change over time and adapting to 6.12 A review is currently underway regarding the whole issue park close to their home. meet these new changes can be challenging. An example of disabled parking spaces in residential areas. The 6.3 The Shopmobility service, operated by Order of Malta of this is that in recent years the usage of Dial-a Journey objective of this review is to ensure that the qualifying D-A-J, complements the above initiatives. It provides a has fluctuated. The reasons for this can be complex and criteria is such that the service is targeted toward those free electric scooter or wheelchair loan service to may include a wider provision of low floor buses and most in need and doing so in a way that represents best people visiting the town centre. The service is offered in wheelchair accessible taxis. value. Work will carry on to install dropped crossings at Falkirk town centre, Stenhousemuir, Larbert and 6.9 The current Dial-A-Journey service was renewed in 2013 identified locations across the Council area and to ensure Grangemouth. for a three year period. the Council’s traffic signal junctions comply with the 6.4 Taxicard (subsidised taxi service) is designed to benefit requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and 6.10 As previously mentioned in Chapter 3, the Council those who cannot use conventional public transport. Equalities Act. produced an Outdoor Access Strategy 2005-2010. This 6.5 The street environment should also be as accessible as strategy recognises the demand for accessible routes to 6.13 Falkirk Council’s emerging Green Space Strategy will possible for people with limited mobility. This will involve enable people with limited mobility to enjoy the outdoor connect areas of natural, semi-natural, and man-made the provision of facilities such as dropped crossings etc. areas within and surrounding our towns and villages. This open spaces within our towns and villages and will create and an ongoing programme to ensure that all traffic signal strategy has been superseded by Falkirk Greenspace – A links to the wider countryside to create an accessible 6.TRANSPORT ACCESSIBLE junctions are compliant with the Equalities Act 2010. Strategy For Our Green Network. green network for all.

17 ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORT POLICIES AT1 The Council will work in partnership with organisations to ensure the provision of high quality accessible transport is available for those unable to use conventional public transport in the Falkirk Council area. AT2 The Council will continue to support the provision of the Shopmobility service to enable those with mobility difficulties to access the facilities of Falkirk town centre. AT3 The Council will work to implement, where reasonable and practical, access for all, in line with the Council’s emerging Green Space Strategy, to assist people with limited mobility in accessing the outdoor areas around the settlements of Falkirk Council area. AT4 The Council will continue to provide facilities, such as dropped crossings, to make the street environment accessible for all. 6.TRANSPORT ACCESSIBLE

18 7. MOTORCYCLING

Introduction / Background 7.3 Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users; we therefore, Achievements and Challenges must try to make motorcycling a safe, enjoyable 7.1 Motorcycling is becoming increasingly popular for experience for those who choose this mode. This means 7.8 The two main concerns for motorcyclists are road safety commuter and leisure trips. Falkirk Council recognises this taking account of the needs of motorcyclists, promoting and secure and convenient parking facilities. choice and believes that motorcycling has a role to play safety measures and mainstreaming motorcycling, so that 7.9 The Council therefore will work to ensure as safe a road within the transport system. The theme of this strategy its needs are considered as fully as any other transport environment as possible can be provided and high quality therefore is to facilitate safer motorcycling as a choice of mode. It is important this work is carried out using data parking facilities for motorcycles are available at major travel within a safe and sustainable transport system. led analysis of the current situation. shopping, leisure, health, employment and transport 7.2 Motorcycling is the term used to describe motorcycles, 7.5 In recent years, whilst the casualty rate for motorcyclists facilities. Motorcycles take up much less space than cars mopeds and scooters and these offer a number of has decreased, the actual number of accidents involving and can therefore be accommodated relatively easily in benefits for riders. They can offer a low cost alternative to motorcycles has increased. This reflects the growing both new and existing streetscapes as well as dedicated the car, providing independence and mobility, and widening number of people opting to use this mode of transport. parking areas. employment opportunities, especially where public 7.10 Road maintenance plays an important part in assisting transport is limited. They can also provide quicker travel 7.6 Motorcyclists contribute the largest number of killed and motorcyclist safety and maintenance work should be for riders in congested traffic conditions and make efficient injured casualties to the overall figures after car drivers completed to a high standard to minimise potential use of road space by taking up significantly less space than and occupants. Motorcyclists are more at risk of being problems arising from poor quality reinstatements. cars, a benefit which is magnified during peak periods killed or injured in a road traffic accident than any other when there are considerable numbers of single occupancy type of vehicle user. 7.11 A number of other areas need to be considered in vehicle trips being made. Furthermore, many riders just providing for motorcycling. Road and traffic calming enjoy motorcycling for the pleasure it gives them. schemes should be designed and implemented with motorcycles in mind. This should include both the layout and the materials used. All work should preferably comply with the standards set out in the IHIE Guidelines for Motorcycling (April 2005). 7.12 Currently provision for motorcycles within the Falkirk area has been limited, however with the increase in congestion and fuel costs there has been considerable growth in ownership levels of motorcycles. The Council recognises the need to cater for the motorcycle. 7. MOTORCYCLING

19 The Future 7.14 Falkirk Council will ensure that maintenance of the network will support and assist motorcyclists, and where possible for new developments public utilities are located in footways and service strips to minimise risk associated with utility reinstatements in the carriageway surface. 7.15 Motorcycle parking should be considered as part of the parking requirements for new developments and should be included in the Council’s Parking Standards contained with its Design Guidelines. Similarly, the Council will seek to provide secure parking for motorcycles at railway stations to facilitate integration between travel modes and will establish the feasibility of providing locker facilities for the purpose of storing motorcycle clothing and helmets. 7.16 Motorcycling can make a significant contribution to meeting sustainable transport objectives and working towards community regeneration. The main challenge therefore is to ensure motorcycling becomes a mainstream element of the transport network. 7.17 In terms of road safety, the Council is keen to work with MOTORCYCLE POLICIES MC3 The Council will require new developments to provide motorcycle representative groups such as the Motorcycle secure parking for motorcycles in line with the Council’s Action Group (MAG) and the British Motorcyclists MC1 The Council will continue to work to provide high quality Design Guidelines. Federation (bmf) to identify and address specific road maintenance of roads, and operation of the network, to MC4 The Council will review parking facilities for motorcycles safety issues for motorcyclists within the Council area. assist in providing a safe and comfortable network for motorcyclists in line with IHIE Guidelines for and will endeavour to provide secure motorcycle parking 7.18 Falkirk Council will review whether to allow motorcycles Motorcycling. at key locations such as town centres, health facilities and the use of bus priority lanes for this group where it is railway stations. deemed safe and appropriate, and subject to there being MC2 The Council will seek to ensure public utilities are MC5 The Council will consult with motorcycle groups and no adverse safety issues introduced by such a practice. located in footways and service strips where possible to other interested parties to identify and address specific All new bus lane schemes will consider the feasibility of minimise the risk presented by carriageway utility 7. MOTORCYCLING road safety issues for motorcyclists. permitting use by motorcycles. reinstatements and utility covers to motorcyclists.

20 8. ROAD SAFETY AND NETWORK MANAGEMENT

Introduction / Background A9 Edinburgh-Perth 8.1 Safety must be the top priority of any transport strategy. A803 Edinburgh-Glasgow Local authorities have the duty to carry out studies into A904 Falkirk-Bo’ness-South Queensferry road accidents and to take measures as seem appropriate to prevent them. A905 Stirling-Edinburgh (Low) 8.2 The Road Safety Plan 2012 sets out the common goal of B902 Falkirk-Bellsdyke road accident casualty numbers and severity reduction in B816 Falkirk-Bonnybridge the Falkirk Council area. This plan has now been reviewed and updated to reflect the latest position on 8.6 The Council has implemented schemes to reduce the casualty statistics and is presented in Appendix 5. likelihood of accidents. These schemes include: 8.3 The work carried out under network management is • A803 Bellevue Street – Traffic Islands integral to improving road safety across the Council area. • B902 Traffic Signal Improvements at David’s Loan, An important part of the roads and transport function Bankside and Dalderse Avenue junctions. carried out by the Council is implementing traffic management schemes. This work covers a wide range of • Pelican Crossing at the Sensory Centre in Camelon projects as is demonstrated by the following: • Glenyards Traffic Signals, Bonnybridge. Achievements and Challenges • Traffic management schemes with objective of • 20mph zones at all schools improving road safety; 8.4 The current casualty rate for the Falkirk Council area is • A9 / Icehouse Brae Roundabout • Traffic management schemes with objective of approximately 17% lower than the Scottish average (249 • Various pedestrian refuge islands throughout the improving network operation; compared to 301 for the five-year average casualty rate Council area. • Road lining and signing schemes; per 100,000 population at the end of 2010). For all casualties the overall pattern is that of continued 8.7 The major challenges in promoting road safety and • Introducing Traffic Regulation Orders to improve reduction. This is demonstrated by the fact that the accident reduction are: network efficiency and safety, for instance parking average number of casualties has fallen by 35% when • The variety of factors which come into play e.g. regulations or banning turning movements; comparing the 1981-1985 and 2006-2010 periods. weather conditions, driver behaviour etc. • Installing new street infrastructure such as pedestrian 8.5 Route Accident Reduction Plans have been implemented • Consistent data quality is essential especially as crossings, traffic islands and bollards, and; for 6 routes. This involved the examination of routes education, enforcement, engineering and chosen based on a suitable measure of accident rate, the • Responsibility for the Council’s traffic signal encouragement aspects of road safety work development of which related to the local sections of the installations. becomes increasingly “evidence led” following roads: 8.MANAGEMENT NETWORK AND SAFETY ROAD

21 8.8 The Council working with other interested agencies • The Council has published a Community Safety ROAD SAFETY AND NETWORK intend to improve road safety by focusing on: Partnership Strategy (2011-2014). The strategy MANAGEMENT POLICIES • Education; covers a wide range of areas including road safety. The LTS will continue to contribute to the continued RS1 The Council will liaise with other interested agencies • Enforcement; development and implementation of this Strategy with a view to maximising its contribution to the • Engineering, and; and in joint working help ensure benefits of accident reduction effort. Priority will continue to be • Encouragement improving road safety can be achieved. given to accidents of higher severity within its own area. 8.9 A final factor in the challenge facing accident reduction is The Future - Network Management RS2 The Council will continue to carry out studies into that of funding. A number of studies have been carried accidents within its area and will give priority to the 8.12 • Traffic management schemes will continue to be out across the Council area that have identified remedial implementation of remedial measures at identified implemented across the Council area as need is actions required to improve safety. The main challenge is problem sites when allocating resources from its capital identified and as funds permit. to prioritise any road safety initiatives within available programme. budgets. • This will include accident remedial schemes, NM1 The Council will work with partner agencies to ensure implementation of signing and lining with the 8.10 The major challenges facing network management are to the road network is as efficient and safe as possible by associated Traffic Regulation Orders and provision of deal with the large amount of requests received annually implementing traffic management schemes where crossing facilities among other measures. for improvements in the road network and prioritising necessary and feasible. schemes within available budgets. The vast majority of • A framework for prioritising schemes will be NM2 The Council will work to ensure road signing across the this work tends to be reactionary. developed to ensure those most needed are given Council area is direct, easy to follow and comprehensive The Future – Road Safety the appropriate priority. to minimise traffic circulation and make driving around • Falkirk Council will continue to upgrade its traffic the area safe and commodious. 8.11 • Scotland’s Road Safety Framework has a target for signalled controlled junctions. casualty reduction of 30% fewer people killed or seriously injured in road accidents by 2015 compared to the period of 2004-2008, and 40% by 2020. Falkirk Council aims to contribute to this by maintaining the rate of casualty reduction of six per year with emphasis being placed, as far as reasonably possible, on reducing the numbers of those seriously injured or killed. • Liaison will continue with Police Scotland, Forth Valley Health Board and other agencies to promote 8.MANAGEMENT NETWORK AND SAFETY ROAD and encourage good road safety practices.

22 9. ROAD NETWORK REVIEW AND MAINTENANCE

Introduction / Background 9.4 One of the main objectives of the LTS is to try to reduce Achievements and Challenges car use in favour of the more sustainable modes of 9.1 Falkirk Council’s road network and maintenance is 9.6 Despite the budget pressures presented in maintaining transport and part of the effective management of the concerned with asset management. The assets the the network and road infrastructure, the Council has road network is to consider the need for improving both Council is currently responsible for include2: achieved a significant amount since 2006: local and strategic roads. Network improvements should • 936.5km of carriageway be considered where they allow access to improved • Over 52km of footways have been surfaced or had services and facilities thus improving the quality of life for surface treatment. • 1,644km of footways and footpaths residents, strengthening the economy or providing • 30.4km of carriageway has been resurfaced with just • 320 bridges and culverts environmental or safety benefits. under 19km being surface dressed. • 20,672 street lights 9.5 Falkirk Council is responsible for local roads in our area • All bridges with a 3 metre or greater span have been while Transport Scotland is responsible for the trunk • 950 road signs structurally assessed. Any failures addressed by either road and motorway network. The Council will continue strengthening works or the introduction of a weight • 25 car parks to work in partnership with Transport Scotland and restriction. • 64 sets of traffic signals other parties to progress any strategic scheme that is mutually beneficial to all parties. • Replaced 2,867 deteriorated lighting columns and • 30,621 road gullies upgraded the associated cable network. Over 93% 9.2 The main benefit of effective road network review and of reported lighting faults were repaired within the 5 maintenance is that those travelling in and around Falkirk day target. can do so efficiently, conveniently and safely regardless of • There have been two road major improvement their choice of mode of travel. schemes implemented since the last Local Transport 9.3 Falkirk Council’s assets are inspected regularly and Strategy. The A9 Laurieston Bypass / Icehouse Brae maintenance carried out to enhance the lifespan of the Roundabout and the M876 Glenbervie Slip Roads. asset. Minor repairs can reduce the future need to carry 9.7 The greatest challenge facing the Council is to continue out major repairs thus extending the residual life of the to provide effective road network review and carriageway or structure. If minor works are ignored, maintenance is budget pressure. With the ever eventually the road surface breaks up completely or a increasing pressure on budgets for both capital works bridge or retaining structure will require major and revenue for ongoing maintenance, even in the short strengthening work. The implications of this are term, the condition of the network infrastructure will significant both in monetary terms and in potential risk deteriorate. This in general will see a decrease in the and disruption to the public using the network. condition of the network, street lighting and bridges

2. stock. It may also increase the number of liability claims

Falkirk Council Road Asset Management Plan 2010 - 13 9.MAINTENANCE AND REVIEW NETWORK ROAD submitted to the Council.

23 9.8 Falkirk Council produced a Roads Asset Management The Future ROAD NETWORK REVIEW AND Plan in November 2010. The plan presents a detailed MAINTENANCE POLICIES 9.12 Road and footway maintenance will continue to be analysis of the condition of the road network and provided to a high quality on a rolling programme of infrastructure within Falkirk Council and presents robust NWK1The Council will give priority to investment in the works. A Road Maintenance Plan has been developed budget proposals for addressing the maintenance backlog maintenance of the road and footway network in order and contributes to the Council’s Asset Management Plan. and providing a suitable maintenance regime for to maximise safety and convenience for all network users in an environmentally responsible way. maintaining the Council’s assets. 9.13 The main changes proposed for maintaining the bridge and structures stock in the near future will seek to 9.9 There is currently an annual revenue budget for bridge NWK2The Council will continue to implement good asset change traditional bridge maintenance procedures into and structure maintenance of £156,000. This figure management practices to ensure the structures stock is an asset management process and will mean major ensures a safe and fit for purpose level of maintenance maintained to a safe and fit purpose and will endeavour changes in the way structures are inspected, costed, but, overall, the fabric of our bridge stock is deteriorating. to enhance this infrastructure to meet the needs of valued and how work is prioritised. This has major repercussions for the bridges capital current and future customers. budget (currently £700,000 per annum). The ongoing 9.14 The Council will continue to inspect its stock of retaining NWK3The Council will seek to prioritise investment in street work is adequate to keep the stock of bridges and walls affecting highways to qualitatively assess their lighting in order to continue with the electrical and structures safe. However, with sufficient funding, the structural integrity. structural testing programmes and to ensure these are stock could be brought up to a good standard of repair. carried out to required frequencies, and to accelerate the 9.15 The Council will continue its streetlighting structural street lighting column replacement programme. 9.10 For street lighting, despite a substantial capital investment inspections and target columns that have failed a visual in lighting improvements over recent years, the overall inspection. It will enable more accurate prioritisation NWK4The Council will work with other authorities, Transport condition of the lighting stock continues to deteriorate. within the column replacement programme. Scotland and developers to deliver network The present level of funding (£700,000 capital and just improvement schemes which contribute to the safety of 9.16 The Council will continue to work with partner agencies over £800,000 revenue in 2012) assumes a column life the network reduce congestion or improve accessibility to promote a number of new road improvement expectancy of approximately 60 years, as against an thus strengthening the economy as part of a package of schemes on the local, strategic and trunk road networks. anticipated life span of 30 years. measures that support sustainable transport. 9.11 A major challenge facing the Council in providing high quality street lighting service is the current increases in the price of energy. It currently costs the Council in the region of £900,000 per annum in energy cost for streetlighting. These costs will need to be met and, in a climate of increasing budgetary constraints, 9.MAINTENANCE AND REVIEW NETWORK ROAD

24 10. PARKING

Introduction / Background

10.1 The management of town centre parking has historically been introduced to deal with the demand for parking in town centres. Town centres, have limited scope for increasing parking provision so parking management is one of the few measures available to the Council to limit the demand. Achievements and Challenges

10.2 The challenge facing Falkirk Council is to balance the demand for parking with town centre provision. It also has to balance the effect of any restrictions on the vitality and viability of town centres. The main difficulty facing the Council is that a large proportion of town centre parking is outwith its control. 10.3 Parking surveys have been carried out in all of the towns in the Falkirk Council area and the overall outcome is that the demand has yet to outstrip the supply. However, The Future PARKING POLICIES there are areas of parking pressure within each settlement where demand does exceed provision at 10.6 To maintain the current vitality and viability of town PK1 The Council will work to ensure short stay shopping and peak times. centres, other than Falkirk town centre, parking charges tourist journeys are accommodated in order to protect will not be used as a method of managing car parking. the viability and vitality of the town centre while 10.4 The majority of town centre parking is short to medium discouraging commuter car travel especially to central 10.7 Falkirk Council will continue to monitor town centre term and there is a generally high turnover of cars per areas which have higher levels of accessibility by parking and consider the management of car parks in space. alternative modes of transport. town centres and those at railway stations. 10.5 Car parking standards for new developments are set out PK2 The Council will work to provide car parks that are safe 10.8 We will continue to monitor on-street parking in in the Council’s Design Guidelines and Scottish Planning and incorporate the best features to ensure personal residential areas close to railway stations to establish any Policy. Within the Falkirk town centre boundary a security for all users. developer contribution should be sought for any shortfall problems and identify possible solutions. in the provision required by any new development. The PK3 The Council will work to ensure information about car contributions will be used to enhance sustainable travel parks is widely available and signing to car parks is direct and easy to follow. modes (cycling, walking, public transport etc.). 10. PARKING

25 11. TOWN CENTRE ACCESS

Introduction / Background 11.1 Rising car ownership and car use has contributed to growing pressure on town centre parking resources. This is not just the case in Falkirk but also in the other towns in the Council area. However, the overall demand has yet to outstrip the supply. Achievements and Challenges 11.2 To achieve good town centre access we must try to balance the consequences of encouraging additional car trips into town centres on a network that exhibits peak time congestion. For instance improving the radial routes into Falkirk will increase the demand for the available town centre parking. It will also contribute towards community severance and have an adverse impact on walking, cycling and public transport use. It is important to recognise that town centres are important as they can contain retail and employment • A new town centre has been built in Stenhousemuir, is experienced on most if not all of the radial routes. This centres and substantial populations and for them to including a major foodstore, and additional town congestion can be managed in a number of ways: remain economically viable they will require an effective centre parking. transport system, including good transport links and • Additional road construction or parking provision: • Additional retail units and associated car parking parking availability. o Not always cost effective or long term solution have been built in Bonnybridge. We must, at the same time, promote and support o Parking should support the town centre whilst • A new foodstore has opened in Grangemouth. increased visits to town centres on foot which will still meeting the Council’s wider transport involve making the pedestrian experience a pleasant and The Future objectives. safe one. 11.4 Falkirk Town Centre • Provision of alternative modes of travel: The main challenge is therefore to strike a balance that caters for the needs of all town centre users. Falkirk town centre has about 6,500 parking spaces for o Primarily through bus enhancements. The use of public or retail use. The 5 main radial routes into Falkirk bus services to offset traffic growth is difficult in 11.3 Since the publication of the last Local Transport Strategy town centre carry about 100,000 vehicles per day. that issues of cost, timetable or service coverage there has been considerable investment in town centres arise. 11.ACCESS CENTRE TOWN in the Council area. As a result of the volume of traffic peak time congestion

26 o Promotion of bus lanes, linked traffic signals and significant number of vehicle movements from the Stirling TOWN CENTRE ACCESS POLICIES junction designs which will offer better journey Street leg of Denny Cross. The new traffic system and times into the town centre making public eventual completion of the Denny Eastern Access Road TCA1 The Council will work with partner agencies, developers, transport more attractive than taking the car. will help reduce the current congestion at Denny Cross. businesses and retailers to improve the accessibility, efficiency and environment of town centres across Falkirk • Promotion of pedestrian links/ streetscape initiatives: 11.7 Bo’ness Town Centre Council area. o Signing and the provision of adequate routes and The Bo’ness Townscape Heritage Initiative has been TCA2 The Council will continue to work in partnership with appropriate surfacing material. completed. Falkirk Council will continue to investigate the the Scottish Government and other agencies to promote 11.5 Grangemouth Town Centre enhancement of Bo'ness bus station and will work with initiatives to encourage the use of sustainable travel to others to deliver any improvements. and from town centres. The regeneration of Grangemouth town centre is still Stenhousemuir Town Centre very much an aspiration of the Council. The works would 11.8 involve linking the new food superstore with the town Stenhousemuir town centre has been regenerated and centre. now boasts a large food retail store, various other retail The proximity of Falkirk town centre to Grangemouth and banking facilities and a town centre car park. Other shouldn’t be ignored with the two main links being the infrastructure includes a new access from King Street, a A904 and A9 Laurieston bypass which suffer peak time new community centre and health centre. Larbert and congestion. The provision of new infrastructure to link Stenhousemuir is currently a Smarter Choices / Smarter Grangemouth and Falkirk is currently being promoted Places location where cycling and walking are being through the TIF scheme. promoted including to and from the town centre. Initiatives will be continually reviewed and implemented Enhancing this infrastructure will also improve public that will further encourage these sustainable modes of transport links between the two town centres. There is a travel. high frequency of service that currently exists between the town centres although some of the residential areas do not have the same level of frequency. 11.6 Denny Town Centre The redevelopment of Denny town centre is now progressing. Demolition works have been undertaken to progress the replacement of the town centre / Church Walk blocks. The current proposals involve altering the traffic management within the town centre removing a 11.ACCESS CENTRE TOWN

27 12. REGIONAL TRANSPORT

Introduction / Background 12.3 As a consequence of promoting greater use of rail, • National Planning Framework 2 – published by the problems with parking have arisen at Falkirk High, Scottish Government 12.1 Falkirk Council is one of eight local authorities forming Polmont and Larbert stations. Similarly, local roads carry the statutory South East Scotland Transport Partnership • Foodport: Connecting Food Port Regions Between strategic and regional trips and it is difficult to separate (SEStran). SEStran has prepared a Regional Transport and Beyond – Published by SEStran these trips from other local road based journeys. Strategy, outlining policies that affect the members of the The Future partnership on a cross boundary basis, or which can 12.4 On a daily basis 14,200 people enter the Falkirk Council bring benefits as part of a widely applied package of area for work or study and 22,300 leave for the same 12.7 Falkirk Council will continue to work in partnership with measures. The current RTS is being updated and revised purposes . The Falkirk Council area is therefore a net SEStran and relevant local authorities to address any to reflect the latest national and regional thinking. exporter of people for work and study, 81% of these cross boundary transport issues. Achievements and Challenges trips are made by car, this gives an indication of the scale 12.8 Falkirk Council will continue to work in partnership with of commuting by car to and from the Council area. The the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and with 12.2 Since 2006 Falkirk Council has received funding from surrounding Council areas are responsible for most of bus operators to improve cross boundary bus and rail SEStran for a number of regional transport schemes the in commuting to the Falkirk area, whilst Edinburgh, services which form strategic links to other areas. including the following: Glasgow, Stirling and West Lothian are the most popular Rail Travel destinations for out commuting. • Funding towards the design of the A801 River Avon Gorge Scheme. 12.5 The use of the private car accounts for 89% of 12.9 Falkirk Council through SEStran funding has delivered commuting trips into Falkirk and 75% of commuting trips new car parking at Larbert Station. We are currently • Larbert Railway Station Car Park (on Foundry Loan) out. Buses account for 5% of in commuting and 8% of progressing additional parking at Falkirk High Station. We will continue to investigate parking requirements at • Falkirk High Station Car Park (land acquisition, out commuting while trains account for 2% of in railway stations where a need is identified. ground stabilisation) commuting and 13% of out commuting 12.10 The Council will also assist the Scottish Government in • Various Sustainable and Community Initiatives such 12.6 Falkirk Council's area also contains nationally significant considering new stations where these can be justified as: freight resources in the shape of Grangemouth Docks, and accommodated without adversely affecting wider their connecting road and rail lines and adjacent freight o Cycle storage train operations. An appraisal will have to be carried out centres. These play an important role on the local to highlight the benefits and disbenefits any new railway o Routes to stations economy, while reinforcing the Council area's links with station would bring to the area. o Footway / footpath improvements surrounding communities. Various distribution centres in 12.11 Rail freight plays an important role in and around and around Grangemouth demonstrate the role this Grangemouth. The Scottish Government has supported o Walk and Talk events Council area has come to play in regional and national this in the past by the use of Freight Facilities Grants. The Since 2007 SEStran has had no capital funding to transport. Scottish Government has highlighted through the National Planning Framework: Project 5 – Grangemouth distribute to its local authority members for transport The importance of the port of Grangemouth has been Freight Hub the importance of freight and Grangemouth

12.TRANSPORT REGIONAL schemes. recognised by the Scottish Government and SEStran in including improved rail facilities within the port. various publications and studies including:

28 Bus Travel

12.12 Buses offer some potential for long to mid distance travel. At present, Falkirk is poorly served by strategic bus/ coach services, most of which bypass the area on the motorway network. These services do not always offer realistic alternatives to the quicker and more direct rail services. There may be potential to improve strategic coach/ bus links and Falkirk Council will work in partnership with other agencies to explore these possibilities Road Travel

12.13 The main road connections out of the Falkirk Council area are formed by Motorways and Trunk Roads. These are the responsibility of Transport Scotland. These routes although strategic in nature do offer connections to the local network. The interchanges between the strategic and the local networks are very important. 12.14 Falkirk Council will continue to work in partnership with Transport Scotland and other service providers to bring forward necessary improvements and alterations to the interchanges between the strategic and local road 12.16 Some local roads serve strategic roles. The A9 towards strategic connections between the M8 and M9 corridor networks. Improvements will seek to bring greater Stirling (which carries around 10,000 vehicles per day). It and has been identified in NPF2 and the Scottish efficiency to the networks and mitigate problems where offers connection to Stirling and the M9 at Pirnhall. The Government’s Strategic Transport Projects Review. It also they arise. A801 offers links to the M8 corridor and West Lothian offers the possibility of a high quality bypass of the west from the Forth Valley. 15-20% of traffic is HGVs. Much of Edinburgh motorway network. It is the only route 12.15 Falkirk Council will also work with Transport Scotland the 14km length of the route was upgraded decades ago, offering the potential of a dedicated, high quality link that and other agencies to improve trunk road corridors leaving some 3.2km of poor quality link. This link contains does not impact on the already congested motorway where these support the wider development aspirations the valley of the River Avon that, due to its topography, links around Edinburgh. Falkirk Council will continue to of Falkirk Council and various interventions are presents the most significant barrier to completing the work in partnership with Transport Scotland, West mentioned in the current Local Plan and the emerging final section of the upgrade. Lothian Council and SEStran to deliver the required Local Development Plan.

upgrade of this route. 12.TRANSPORT REGIONAL 12.17 The A801 offers a significant opportunity to improve

29 Freight REGIONAL TRANSPORT POLICIES 12.18 Road based freight is an important component of overall RT1 The Council will continue to contribute and work in traffic. The M80, M9 and A801 all carry significant partnership with SEStran. amounts of road freight. Some 15-20% of traffic on these RT2 The Council will continue to participate in the routes is goods traffic, operating over mid-long distances. development process for regional and national transport Locally, routes such as the Laurieston bypass, policies. Grangemouth Road and A803 carry between 5 and 10% freight traffic. RT3 The Council will continue to work with partner agencies to secure the implementation of the A801 Avon Gorge 12.19 It is important to recognise the role that freight plays and scheme the impacts it has on our communities and our local economy. Falkirk Council plays an active role in the RT4 The Council will work with the Transport Scotland to SEStran Freight Quality Partnership. This partnership promote improvements to the trunk road network and includes local authorities, Scottish Government, Forth its connections to the local road network to maximise Ports, Road Haulage Association, Freight Transport safety and minimise congestion. Association and Freight Companies (both road and rail). RT5 The Council will continue to work with other local Other Regional Issues authorities and agencies as appropriate to bring forward and deliver cross boundary initiatives where these arise. 12.20 Falkirk Council works with SEStran, the Scottish Government and other agencies to bring forward RT6 The Council will work to progress locally based schemes schemes and initiatives that offer cross boundary such as safe routes to stations and bus corridor benefits. Falkirk Council currently participates in improvements, which positively contribute to regional Tripshare, a car share scheme established by SEStran. This travel. Council is also working to deliver a Round the Forth access initiative for cyclists and walkers. SEStran is considering expanding real time information at bus stops across the region. 12.TRANSPORT REGIONAL

30 13. FREIGHT

Introduction / Background separation of community traffic and dock traffic. 13.8 Where possible, the Council has strengthened all its bridges to take 44 tonne lorries. Where routes are 13.5 There also exist a number of freight transfer facilities that 13.1 Freight is fundamental to the performance of the inherently incapable of catering for HGVs, such as over a allow transfer of goods from road to rail and from rail to economy through the movement of goods, materials and weak bridge, an appropriate weight restriction has been road. (e.g. WH Malcolms and formerly TDG Nexus) products. The logistics of freight deliveries are an integral implemented. part of modern life and must be accommodated by the 13.6 Grangemouth is Scotland’s largest port and main 13.9 The Forth & Clyde and Union Canals are a major feature transport network if we are to support and strengthen container port, and handles approximately 9 million of the Council area, forming an east-west corridor local, regional and national economies. This should, tonnes of cargo through the dock facilities each year. however, be balanced against measures to minimise the running though many of its communities. Built between impact that freight movements can have on local 13.7 The Council has reviewed HGV signing from the 1750 and 1830, the canals were central to the area's communities. The Council will work with partners motorway into Grangemouth splitting Grangemouth into industrial pre-eminence in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, distinct areas. This takes into account changes in and form a distinctive element in both the urban and SEStran and My Future’s in Falkirk (MFIF) to address accessing a number of industries giving the most rural landscape. The canals basically operated as the freight issues. appropriate HGV route to each area. Falkirk Council has motorways of their day carrying predominantly freight. At Achievements and Challenges also provided HGV signing around town centre areas for present the canals are predominantly used for leisure access to retail service areas. purposes. 13.2 Falkirk Council area is located at the hub of the Scottish transport network with good access to the strategic road and rail links. These provide direct and fast access to Scotland and the north of England. This is a key factor in the location of a number of industries which require large scale freight movements. The main challenge for the Council is to support the freight industry and enable it to carry out its functions in a way that minimises negative impacts on the wider community. 13.3 The Grangemouth Freight Hub has been identified in the National Planning Framework 2 as a scheme of national importance. To deliver the freight hub various transport interventions will be required including: improved railhead access within the port and electrification of the Grahamston line, better connections to the M9, better links to the M8 and the south via the A801, and

improvements to the local road network including the FREIGHT 13.

31 13.10 Lowland Canals Freight Action Plan Phase 1 was FREIGHT POLICIES published in January 2006. The purpose of this study was to identify existing businesses near the canal that might F1 The Council will work in partnership with the Scottish make use of the canal network for the transport of raw Government, Transport Scotland and Freight Operators materials, products or waste, and to identify potential to deliver improvements to the local road network, canal side commercial, freight facilities and wharf sites. including the separation of community traffic and freight The study concluded that there was potential for various traffic, reducing the unnecessary impacts of freight industrial sites to utilise the canals for freight movement. movements primarily through signing appropriate routes, whilst recognising the essential role freight plays in The Future supporting the wider economy. 13.11 The Council working in partnership with other agencies F2 The Council will work with the Scottish Government, will continue to promote Grangemouth as Scotland’s Transport Scotland and freight operators to seek main integrated sea, rail and motorway port facility. The opportunities to mitigate the impacts of freight vehicles, Council will also help Scottish Government agencies either by identifying routes that are appropriate for them deliver the Grangemouth Freight Hub including the to use, or by improving routes where specific issues have necessary infrastructure. been identified. 13.12 There are currently no designated quality lorry park F3 The Council will work with Scottish Canals and other facilities within the Council area. This is a matter that the organisations to encourage the use of the canals for Council would be keen to work with industry and freight freight use, including the development of any necessary bodies to identify the need for, and an appropriate freight transfer facilities. location for, such facilities if required. F4 The Council will support and encourage business in 13.13 The Council will support the protection and providing facilities for freight within the Council area such enhancement of the operational capacity of the canals as freight transfer and quality lorry parking. for freight use, including the development of any necessary freight transfer facilities. 13. FREIGHT

32 14. AIR QUALITY AND NOISE

Introduction / Background pollutants. The Scottish Government requires the Council ones, asphalt surfaces generate less noise than other to follow the Local Air Quality Management process conventional surfaces. Nearby high walls or buildings also 14.1 In comparison to the main cities in Scotland, the Falkirk which consists of a series of reports. If the modelling and reflect noise causing an increase in the overall noise level. area does not suffer from prolonged traffic congestion. / or monitoring done during this process establishes that Also, noise from smoothly passing traffic is less than noise Where traffic congestion does occur however, such as in national air quality objectives are not being met the from interrupted flow due to the change in engine speed town centres and along radial corridors into those Council is required to declare an Air Quality and use of low gears. central areas, problems can be considerable at peak Management Area (AQMA). The Council has a duty to Achievements and Challenges times. This can often result in pockets of localised air work towards achieving the air quality objectives. pollution and excessive noise thus affecting the quality of 14.9 Two-thirds of the trips made by Falkirk Council residents 14.5 In relation to road transport emissions, as a result of the life for those living and working within these areas. are undertaken by car yet 31% of households do not review and assessment process Falkirk Council declared, own a car. Apart from the fact that a transport network 14.2 The two main pollutants associated with tailpipe road in March 2010, Air Quality Management Areas for and local services based on car transport produces social traffic emissions are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen dioxide in Falkirk Town Centre and around exclusion particularly for those without access to a car, particulate matter (PM10). Studies have found that the Haggs (J7 of M80). majority of nitrogen oxides come from road transport, there are also significant environmental impacts. Car use with smaller amounts coming from domestic heating and In 2011 the Council approved the declaration of an contributes greatly to climate change; affects human such things as air transport. Emissions of carbon AQMA west of Banknock for PM10. It is unlikely that health through local air pollution, noise and discouraging monoxide and volatile compounds are also related to road traffic tailpipe emissions are the most significant exercise; and damages ecosystems through pollution and road transport but have decreased significantly in the contributor to this AQMA. other indirect effects. recent years. 14.6 The LTS seeks to assist in reducing traffic related 14.3 Different vehicles emit different amounts of nitrogen emissions through implementing initiatives such as the oxides and particles. Larger and older vehicles, provision of improvements to public transport as well as particularly diesel, produce more nitrogen oxides than cycling and walking for shorter, more local, journeys. new vehicles. New vehicles are ‘cleaner’ because of new 14.7 Road traffic noise has two main components, mechanical technology, such as catalytic converters. Air quality has noise associated with engine and transmission and the improved greatly over the last 10-15 years as a result of “rolling noise” of the vehicle, the latter is due to the technological improvements and tighter legislation which frictional contact between the road and the tyres and the has led to significantly reduced emissions. However, aerodynamic noise caused by the vehicle passing through increasing traffic levels and possible under-performance the air. The noise levels caused by traffic are dependent of some recent EURO standards may off set these gains on the speed and the number of vehicles using the road. unless more is done. Other factors are road surfaces and the immediate 14.4 Falkirk Council has a duty under the Environment Act topography of the street. 1995 to review and assess local air quality for seven 14.8 Rough road surfaces cause more noise than smooth 14.NOISE AND QUALITY AIR

33 14.10 The main challenge therefore is to encourage increasing 14.12 The Council’s 2013 Progress Report has not AIR QUALITY AND NOISE POLICIES number of trips to be made by the more sustainable recommended any further Detailed Assessments. modes. In the face of rising car ownership, and perhaps Monitoring continues at many sites outside the AQMAs to AQ1 The Council will continue to monitor and analyse air more significantly, rising car usage, the work carried out ensure that the appropriate objectives continue to be met. quality data throughout the Council area in compliance under the LTS is even more important in order to help with the requirements of the Environment Act 1995 and 14.13 The Council is also currently involved in a vehicle meet the air quality objectives for the Falkirk Council subsequent regulations. emissions testing initiative whereby motorists can have area. The key policies of the LTS to encourage more their vehicle tested to check its emissions output. This AQ2 The Council will work with partner agencies, to active travel through walking, cycling and use of public test is free. The initiative also involves warning motorists implement transport initiatives to assist in improving air transport, improving health, strengthening the economy who idle their engines unnecessarily, particularly near quality and to work towards achieving the air quality and improving the environment are entirely consistent sensitive areas such as schools. Other areas being objectives through the measures that will (in due course) with the aims of the Council’s forthcoming Air Quality targeted are bus stations, taxi ranks and with the public in be outlined in the air quality Action Plans. Action Plan. general. The project is run jointly with three other N1 The Council will work in partnership with the Scottish 14.11 The Further Assessments for the Falkirk Town Centre and Councils and is funded by the Scottish Government. Government and other agencies to meet its obligations Haggs AQMAs have been completed. These reports The Future under the EU Environmental Noise Directive. confirmed the need for the current AQMAs, although recommended that PM10 is added to the Falkirk Town 14.14 No specific transport projects have been identified at the Centre declaration and that the hourly AQMA is revoked. present time to directly address air quality or noise matters. A large number of projects and initiatives being The Assessments showed that road traffic emissions are a implemented under the LTS however, should operate to significant source of NO2 and PM10 in the AQMAs, along improve air quality and also reduce noise. These include with congestion playing a role in Falkirk Town Centre. The the wide range of initiatives to encourage people to travel reports looked at future concentrations taking into account by modes other than the car, such as supporting and anticipated changes such as improvements to EURO promoting cycling and walking and using public transport. emission standards and transport infrastructure, such as the Edinburgh to Glasgow rail electrification scheme. The 14.15 Continued maintenance to improve the quality of road reports concluded that to achieve the air quality objectives surfaces will operate to reduce both noise and emissions additional measures beyond these expected changes are by reducing unnecessary braking and acceleration. The required. campaign to reduce unnecessary engine idling and emissions testing will continue. The results from 2010 show that the AQMAs remain justified, although are likely to have been impacted by the The Council is in the process of developing measures for cold, still, weather conditions experienced during the its air quality Action Plans. These will aim to reduce year. Meteorological conditions can have a significant pollutant concentrations such that the NO2 and PM10 14.NOISE AND QUALITY AIR impact on inter-year variation of pollutant concentrations. objectives are met.

34 15. ROAD TRAFFIC REDUCTION

the area but also growing traffic levels, resultant congestion and increasing challenges in ensuring personal accessibility, community regeneration and safety. Any measures that are carried out as a result of the policies contained within this strategy will seek to reduce the increase in traffic growth whilst supporting the economy of the area, however, they are unlikely to have any long term significant impact on the continuing trend of traffic growth and subsequent congestion.

This road traffic reduction section has been produced in • To protect the environment by minimising the The 2006 Transport Strategy set out the following road light of the findings of, and guidance contained within, the impact that transport can have on it and to improve traffic reduction target: Scottish Executive’s report Term Commission for the health by promoting more active travel; and, • Restrain traffic growth at 1% per annum Evaluation and Review of Local Authority Road Traffic • To improve safety for all those using the transport Reduction Targets published 2006. This current strategy sets out the following targets: network. Traffic growth has been highlighted as one of the key • Restrain traffic growth to 1% per annum Continued traffic growth presents significant challenges issues of the consultation undertaken in support of this to community regeneration, social inclusion, economic • Restrain car parking demand to 2006 levels strategy. The Council's own traffic monitoring indicates growth, safety, health and the environment in the Council that although the traffic growth fluctuates between • Produce air quality action plans to reduce pollutant area. Traffic growth and the subsequent congestion is an positive and negative growth year on year the long term concentrations such as NO2 and PM10 in the Air issue that was identified in the various consultation trend (1991-2011) shows a growth in the region of 1.8% Quality Management Areas that have been identified exercises carried out and addressing these concerns per annum on all roads (including Motorways and Trunk through sustainable transport policies is a key theme of • Continue to reduce road accidents to levels below Roads) and 1.2% per annum on local roads. The traffic this Strategy. The road traffic reduction objective for the national average figures issued by the Scottish growth is based on data the Council collects for its urban Falkirk Council area is therefore: Government. and rural network and information Transport Scotland Restraining traffic growth to 1% per annum is in line with collect for the trunk road and motorway network. “To restrain the rate of traffic growth across the Falkirk Council area to improve the quality of life for those living, the target set out in the Indicators of Sustainable Of the five objectives of the Council’s Transport Vision working and visiting the area.” Development for Scotland by the Scottish Executive that (paragraph 2.2), three are of particular relevance to road aims to stabilise traffic growth at 2001 levels. (See NTS) traffic reduction. These are: It is essential that this Strategy takes cognisance of the growth strategy outlined the Council’s Development Plan • To support the growth of the local economy in a as significant housing and business land allocations will

sustainable way; 15.REDUCTION TRAFFIC ROAD bring with them not only a strengthening economy for

35 Existing and Forecast Traffic Levels The figures in the Table 15.1 above suggest that we have The impacts of this strategy will extend to other restrained traffic growth in the Falkirk Council area transport modes. Current subsidised bus services could The Council has over 100 permanent count sites for through implementing our Local Transport Strategy in become commercially viable and bus operators may be automatic traffic counting (ATC) across the Council area 2006. However, as mentioned previously the long term in a position to increase the frequency of specific which are counted every month. The remaining links in growth in the Council area continues to rise at a rate of services. There may also be an increased demand for the Council area are monitored on average every two 1.3% per annum on the local road network. There are provision of additional walking and cycling across the years (see Appendix 3). This information and the traffic various reasons for the recent fluctuations between Council area. growth figures are contained in Appendix 2. positive and negative growth including the current Table 15.2 below summarises the linkages between the economic climate and the continued rise in fuel prices. 1990 1997 2002 2007 2012 overall road traffic objective and the performance Other factors taken into account in setting this target are indicators being used to measure progress and examples the Development Plan growth strategy, and also Falkirk’s of the type of project which will be implemented Total 1,830,578 2,344,998 2,,730,129 2,975,444 2,895,273 geographic position in Central Scotland. through the LTS to work towards this objective. Traffic In putting into place measures to encourage the use of Consultation Local 798,640 1,003,847 1,104,326 1,157,524 1,028,424 alternative modes of travel to the car and thus reduce Traffic Consultation with the business community and the traffic flows, Falkirk Council hopes to achieve a number general public (through the Citizens Panel and Evening of significant benefits for those living, working and visiting Roadshow Events) has taken place. Further consultation the area. These benefits include: on the draft strategy will take place before the Road Total Traffic Growth Local Traffic Growth • Less time spent in congestion Traffic Reduction Plan is finalised in the published Local Transport Strategy. • Reductions in air pollution and noise from traffic 1990-2012 2.64% p.a. 1.31% p.a. The responses submitted as part of these consultation • Reduced community severance for areas where exercises have generally supported the overall approach main routes travel through residential areas. 1997-2012 1.56% p.a. 0.16% p.a. of the strategy, although at present no specific comments • Improving the health and fitness of the population by were made on road traffic reduction. encouraging more walking and cycling and less car Monitoring 2002-2012 0.605% p.a. -0.687 p.a. use. Monitoring to enable annual reporting on progress All these factors add up to an improved quality of life. towards the RTRA target will be carried out on an 2007-2012 -0.54% p.a. -2.23% p.a. The business community benefits by reducing the delays, ongoing basis as part of the Council’s established traffic caused by congestion, for goods and employees. It also count programme. The traffic count monitoring should help people access employment, health, shopping Table 15.1 programme for the Council is extensive, covering over and leisure opportunities regardless of having access to a

15.REDUCTION TRAFFIC ROAD 100 permanent traffic count sites, and this information car. will be used to determine progress on the target.

36 A quality assurance system is in operation as part of the Road Traffic Reduction Targets count programme which ensures that any failed counts are detected thus enabling a recount to be carried out Key LTS Performance Reduction Objective: Data Source Baseline Position Local Target for that site within specified periods to ensure any overall Indicators omissions in the count programme are kept to a minimum. To restrain traffic the Traffic volumes on key Automatic traffic count Restrain growth to The success of implementing the Road Traffic Reduction rate of traffic growth 1.84% p.a. (1991-2011) links data 1.5% p.a. Plan will be reported annually on the Council’s across the Council area Information Bulletin. Forecasting Details The prediction of future travel patterns and traffic growth has been used in the preparation of the existing Local Plan. Falkirk Council is currently preparing a new Local Development Plan which will incorporate both the existing Structure Plan and Local Plan. This Local Transport Strategy will be published before the proposed Local Development Plan has been adopted. Future travel patterns and traffic growth predictions will be updated when the growth strategy set out in the new Local Development Plan has been approved and adopted. 15.REDUCTION TRAFFIC ROAD Appendix 1: TRANSPORT ACHIEVEMENTS

This section looks at the transport initiatives which have been implemented since the last LTS was produced in 2006. These are set out in the table below. The table also demonstrates to which LTS objective each particular scheme contributes.

Transport Contributes to Initiative Achievements Since 2006 LTS Objective

Promoting Sustainable Transport Choices

Multi- User Routes – • Implemented A904 Grangemouth Road Crossing Facilities 1, 2, 3, 4 Walking, Cycling, • Implement upgrading of Bo’ness Town Centre to benefit pedestrian environment Horseriding • Implement Braes paths improvements resulting from community consultation • Implemented Bo’ness / Blackness paths improvements from community consultation (excluding Blackness- Bo’ness shore route) • Adopt Core Paths Plan • Develop local networks suitable for walking around every settlement in the Falkirk Council area • Airth to Bowtrees Cycle / Footpath • Provide Cycle Parking facilities at shopping centre, health and leisure centres • First stage pilot project under auspices of Take the Right Route • Improved multi user route access to Camelon and Larbert railway stations • Pelican crossing at Sensory Centre • Puffin Crossing at Townhouse, Denny • DDA upgrade of traffic signals Appendix 1 Appendix

38 Transport Contributes to Initiative Achievements Since 2006 LTS Objective

• Cycle / footway works at: o Carron o Windsor Avenue o Dunmore to Airth o Millade o The Inches o Denny o Grahams Road / Mandela Avenue • Nethermains Road, Denny – Traffic Island • Lionthorn Footway • Mungal Farm – Carron Loop • Canal Towpath upgrade at St. Mungo’s High School • Westmains Cycleway

Employer Travel Plans • Fuel efficient pool car vehicles for staff use as part of Council’s travel plan 1, 2, 3 • Produced Supplementary Planning Guidance Develop for Travel Plans • Operational car sharing database for Falkirk Council area • Develop Travel Plan for Forth Valley Royal Hospital in partnership with NHS Forth Valley.

School Travel Plans • Complete School Travel Assessments at all 56 Schools in Falkirk Council Area 3, 4 • Install cycle parking and playground markings at 7 schools • 20mph signing to be installed at all schools • Implementation of path networks, lighting, cycle routes and off-site roadworks at new schools. TRANSPORT ACHIEVEMENTS TRANSPORT

39 Transport Contributes to Initiative Achievements Since 2006 LTS Objective

Public Transport • Install Traveline information system. 1, 2, 3, 5 • Extend Larbert Railway Station car park and accommodate bus interchange facilities • Work with Scottish Government to implement national elderly/disabled travel concessions scheme • Continue to safeguard sites for possible new railway stations, as identified in Local Plan • Introduce calendar meters in taxi fleet • Installation of new bus shelters at various locations throughout the Falkirk Council area. • Improvements to public transport facilities in Newmarket Street.

Community and • Carry out review of Dial-A-Journey service 2 Accessible Transport • Implement at least one “access for all” route in each settlement in Falkirk Council area to BT Countryside for all “Standards and Guidelines”

Travel Awareness • Produce Publicity and Marketing Strategy for Transport • Promotion of the Take the Right Route campaign in: o Larbert and Stenhousemuir o Grangemouth

Motorcycling • Ongoing road maintenance 1, 2, 3, 4 Appendix 1 Appendix

40 Transport Contributes to Initiative Achievements Since 2006 LTS Objective

Developing a Safe and Efficient Transport Network

Road Safety and • Review and Revise the Road Safety Plan 1, 2, 3, 4 Network Management • Implement the findings of 6 Route Accident Reduction Plans (possibly remove) • Consider joining Speed Camera Partnership • Implement Clearway Order in Westfield area • Carronshore Primary School entrance • West Bridge Street traffic signals improvements • B902 Traffic Signal Improvements at Main Street / David’s Loan, Bankside, and Dalderse Avenue. • Traffic signal installation at Glenyards Road, Bonnybridge • Lathallan Interchange Super-elevation • A904 Kerse Lane Traffic Signals. • Princes Street traffic signal improvements • A904 Kinneil Bends • Installation of traffic signals at Larbert Cross

Road Network Review • Over 52km of footways have been surfaced or had surface treatment. 4 and Maintenance • 30.4km of carriageway has been resurfaced with just under 19km being surfaced dressed. • All bridges with a 3 metre or greater span have been structurally assessed. Any failures addressed by either strengthening works or the introduction of a weight restriction. • Replaced 2,867 deteriorated lighting columns and upgraded the associated cable network. Over 93% of reported lighting faults were repaired within the 5 day target. TRANSPORT ACHIEVEMENTS TRANSPORT

41 Transport Contributes to Initiative Achievements Since 2006 LTS Objective

• A9 Laurieston Bypass / Icehouse Brae Roundabout • M876 Glenbervie Slip Roads. • Construct Denny Eastern Access Road Phase 1 • Detailed design of A801 Avon Gorge improvement scheme

Parking • Review car parking standards as part of update of Roads Development Guidelines 1, 5 • Review car park management, including station car parks, and investigate feasibility of introducing Decriminalised Parking Enforcement in Falkirk

Town Centre Access • Carried out study of B902 Grahams Road and Falkirk town centre traffic arrangements • Carried out study of A803 corridor from Camelon to Falkirk town centre. • Traffic management proposals for Stenhousemuir town centre regeneration implemented.

Regional Transport • Contributed towards the development of SEStran’s Regional Transport Strategy and Freight Studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 • Larbert Railway Station car park • Falkirk High Station – Ground stabilisation at Slamannan Road for future car park. • Falkirk Council will examine opportunities for better links to stations under a Safer Routes to Stations initiatives, such as Lionthorn to Falkirk High Station, whose aim will be to reduce car based travel to the stations. Networks of walking and cycling routes, supported by bus services, will be considered, rather than continued development in parking. Appendix 1 Appendix

42 Transport Contributes to Initiative Achievements Since 2006 LTS Objective

Freight • Reviewed HGV signing from the motorway network into Grangemouth. 1, 4 • Increased weight limits, where possible, to 44 tonnes • Working in partnership with the Scottish Government and other key stakeholders to deliver the Grangemouth Freight Hub identified in the National Planning Framework.

Air quality and Noise • Continue to monitor and report on levels of NO2 emissions from traffic across the Council area 3 • Continue to participate in the Vehicle Emissions Testing initiative with neighbouring authorities • In depth report on NO2 produced

OBJECTIVE 1:

To support the growth of the local economy in a sustainable way OBJECTIVE 2:

To promote social inclusion throughout the community OBJECTIVE 3:

To protect the environment by minimising the impact that transport can have on it and to improve health by promoting more active travel OBJECTIVE 4:

To improve safety for all those using the transport network OBJECTIVE 5:

To improve integration between different forms of transport ACHIEVEMENTS TRANSPORT

43 Appendix2: TRAFFIC GROWTH

Traffic Growth in the Falkirk Council Area

Motorways 3,500,000 Trunk Roads 'A' Class Urban 3,000,000 'A' Class Rural Total Traffic Linear(Total Traffic) 2,500,000

2,000,000

1,500,000

1,000,000

500,000

0 2011 2011 1990 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2012

Appendix 2 Appendix Year

44

Traffic Growth in the Falkirk Council Area

1,400,000 'A' Class Urban 'A' Class Rural 1,200,000 Local Roads Linear(Local Roads)

1,000,000

800,000

600,000

Vehicle Kilometres Vehicle 400,000

200,000

0 2011 2011 1990 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2012

Year GROWTH TRAFFIC

45 Appendix 3: TRAFFIC DATA

Date of Date of Route Link Location AADT Flow Route Link Location AADT Flow Count Count

M80 1 Between the A80 and M876 2012 69,059 A803 61 Station Road to Millfield Lodge, Polmont 2012 5,729 M80 2 From junction of M876 to Council Boundary 2012 33,040 A803 62 Millfield Lodge to Grandsable Road 2012 6,471 A803 63 Grandsable Road to Sandy Loan, Laurieston 2012 7,816 M876 5 East of Checkbar Interchange 2012 35,773 A803 64 Sandy Loan to Boyd Street, Laurieston 2012 6,842 M876 6 West of Checkbar Interchange 2012 34,353 A803 65 Boyd Street to 200m East of Skew Bridge 2012 7,816 M876 7 West of Hill of Kinnaird 2012 29,554 A803 66 East of Skew Bridge to Bellevue Street 2012 14,465 M876 8 Hill of Kinnaird to Bowtrees 2012 49,904 A803 67 From Bellevue Street to Callendar Riggs 2012 2,141 M9 11 Burghmuir to Lathallan 2012 31,322 A803 68 Bellevue Street, Falkirk 2012 8,777 M9 12 Lathallan to Cadgers 2012 40,171 A803 69 Princes Street 2-way Section 2012 15,725 M9 13 Cadgers to Earlsgate 2012 31,322 A803 70 Princes Street / Vicar Street / Park Street 2012 7,331 M9 14 Earlsgate to Longdyke (A88 Overbridge) 2012 45,514 A803 71 Garrison Place / Hope Street 2012 18,232 A803 72 Cockburn Street South of High Street 2012 10,429 M9 17 Longdyke to Moss Road Overbridge 2012 49,904 A803 73 Tanners Road, Falkirk (1-Way) 2012 11,932 M9 18 Moss Road Overbridge to Pirnhall 2012 20,998 A803 74 West Bridge Street (West of Hope Street) 2012 14,492 A80(T) 21 Council Boundary to M80 at Haggs 2012 69,059 A803 75 Camelon Road, Falkirk (to Glenfuir Road) 2012 12,443 A876(T) 39 Bowtrees to Kincardine Bridge 2012 28,064 A803 76 Glenfuir Road to Rosebank Roundabout 2012 18,146 A706 51 Seaview Place to Dean Road, Bo'ness 2012 4,229 A803 77 Main Street, Camelon (Rosebank to A9) 2012 21,351 A706 52 South of Dean Road, Bo'ness 2012 6,865 A803 78 Glasgow Road Camelon (A9 to 3 Bridges) 2012 17,454 A706 53 Swordy Mains at Council Boundary 2012 4,697 A803 79 Three Bridges to Park & Ride Roundabout 2012 17,454 A8004 54 Checkbar to M876 Slip 2012 8,106 A803 80 P&R Roundabout to Gateside Ave, Bonnybridge 2012 7,117 A803 81 Gateside Ave to Bridge Street, Bonnybridge 2012 7,815 A801 55 Lathallan to Bowhouse Roundabout 2012 9,694 A803 82 Bridge St to the Bypass Road, Dennyloanhead 2012 6,424 A801 56 Bowhouse Roundabout to Council Boundary 2012 9,966 A803 83 Bypass Rd to Denny Rd, Dennyloanhead 2012 5,127 A803 57 Linlithgow Bridge to Lathallan Interchange 2012 9,247 A803 84 Denny Rd to M80 2012 12,566 A803 58 Lathallan to Gilston Crescent, Polmont 2012 8,379 A803 85 M80 Overbridge 2012 9,260

Appendix 3 Appendix A803 59 Gilston Crescent to Kirk Entry, Polmont 2012 8,222 A803 86 West of Overbridge to Kelt Road, Banknock 2012 8,022 A803 60 Kirk Entry to Station Road, Polmont 2012 11,394 A803 87 Kelt Road to Council Boundary 2012 5,929 46 Date of Date of Route Link Location AADT Flow Route Link Location AADT Flow Count Count

A872 174 Stirling Street, Dunipace to A883 Junction 2012 7,658 A9 FND Rosebank to Merchiston Roundabout 2012 16,072 A872 175 Nethermains Road to Stoneywood Road, Denny 2012 5,307 A9 FND FND - Merchiston to Mungalend 2012 12,294 A872 176 Stoneywood Road to Glasgow Road, Denny 2012 5,960 A9 FND FND - West of Abbots Road 2012 12,473 A872 177 Glasgow Rd to Bypass Rd, Dennyloanhead 2012 9,109 A9 FND FND - East of Abbots Road 2012 14,878 A872 177 Glasgow Rd to Bypass Rd, Dennyloanhead 2012 6,321 A9 FND FND - Etna Road to Westfield 2012 18,055 A872 178 Bypass Rd to A803 Junction, Dennyloanhead 2012 2,219 A904 242 Kerse Lane - Callendar Riggs to Bellsmeadow 2012 12,359 A88 179 Bypass Road, Dennyloanhead 2012 13,103 A904 243 Kerse Lane / Ladysmill to Thornhill Road 2012 12,359 A88 199 Bellsdyke Road, North Broomage to Hamilton Rd 2012 12,250 A904 244 Grangemouth Rd - Thornhill Rd to Middlefield Rd 2012 18,187 A88 200 Hamilton Road to Antonshill Roundabout 2012 12,726 A904 245 Grangemouth Rd - Middlefield Rd to Alexander Ave 2012 17,647 A88 201 Antonshill Roundabout to Kincardine Road 2012 14,246 A904 246 Grangemouth Rd - Alexander Ave to Westfield R/bt 2012 17,647 A88 202 Kincardine Road to Waterslap Road to Airth 2012 10,510 A904 247 Falkirk Road - Westfield R/bt to Railway Bridge 2012 24,534 A883 203 Waterslap Road to South Bellsdyke Roundabout 2012 11,325 A904 248 Falkirk Road - Railway Bridge to Earlsgate 2012 24,534 A883 206 Three Bridges, Camelon to Checkbar Interchange 2012 13,722 A904 249 Earlsgate to Abbots Road, Grangemouth 2012 12,364 A883 207 Checkbar to M876 Slip Northbound 2012 8,496 A904 250 Bo'ness Road - Abbots Road to Inchyra Road 2012 9,966 A883 208 M876 Slip Road to Herbertshire, Denny 2012 11,688 A904 251 Bo'ness Road - Inchyra Road to River Avon Bridge 2012 5,801 A883 209 Herbertshire to The Vennel, Denny 2012 11,000 A904 252 Bo'ness Road - River Avon Bridge to Inveravon R/bt 2012 4,475 A883 210 Broad Street, Denny (Vennel to Denny Cross) 2012 10,029 A904 253 Grangemouth Rd - Inveravon R/bt to Snab Brae 2012 12,366 A883 211 Denny Cross to Carronbank Crescent 2012 8,623 A904 254 Kinneil Road, Bo'ness - Snab Brae to Church Wynd 2012 4,412 A9 212 Carronbank Crescent to A872 junction 2012 21,502 A904 255 From Church Wynd to Gledhill Avenue, Carriden 2012 4,940 A9 217 Laurieston Bypass - Cadgers to Grandsable Rd 2012 18,878 A904 256 Gledhill Avenue to Grahamsdyke Road, Bo'ness 2012 2,150 A9 218 Laurieston Bypass - Grandsable to Icehouse Brae 2012 17,907 A904 257 Grahamsdyke Road to Blackness Road 2012 7,421 A9 219 Laurieston Bypass - Icehouse to Bog Roundabout 2012 21,923 A904 258 Blackness Road (B903) to A803 at Champany 2012 7,117 A9 221 Stirling Road, Camelon - A803 to Railway Bridge 2012 12,334 A904 259 From A803 at Champany to Council Boundary 2012 4,550 A9 222 Stirling Road - Railway Bridge to Lochlands Road 2012 9,985 A905 268 From Council Boundary to Junction with Moss Road 2012 3,978 A9 223 Stirling Road - Lochlands Road to Larbert Cross 2012 12,146 A905 269 From Moss Road to B9124 Cowie Road Junction 2012 3,207

A9 224 Stirling Road - Larbert Cross to North Broomage 2012 11,436 A905 270 Cowie Road to North Green Farm Access, Airth 2012 3,244 DATA TRAFFIC A9 225 Stirling Road - North Broomage Council Boundary 2012 9,460 A905 271 North Green Farm Access to South Green Dr. Airth 2012 4,453 47 Date of Date of Route Link Location AADT Flow Route Link Location AADT Flow Count Count

A905 272 South Green Dr. to Junction with C116 Waterslap Rd 2012 6,559 B8028 357 Reddingmuirhead Rd to Princes St, California 2012 2,441 A905 273 Waterslap Road to Bowtrees 2012 6,174 B8028 358 Princes Street to Black Braes Centre, California 2012 1,273 A905 274 Bowtrees to South Bellsdyke Roundabout 2012 13,727 B8028 359 Black Braes Centre to Grayrigg Farm 2012 1,229 A905 275 South Bellsdyke to Dutch Inn, Skinflats 2012 11,728 B8028 360 Grayrigg Farm to Avonview, Avonbridge 2012 1,078 A905 276 Dutch Inn to Bennie Place, Skinflats 2012 9,175 B8028 361 Avonview to Standburn Road, Avonbridge 2012 1,014 A905 277 Binnie Place to River Carron Bridge 2012 12,275 B8028 362 Standburn Road to Craigbank Quarry, Avonbridge 2012 1,330 A905 278 River Carron Bridge to M9 Glensburgh Slip Road 2012 12,275 B8028 363 Craigbank Quarry to Council Boundary 2012 1,174 A905 279 Glensburgh Slip Road to Earlsgate 2012 13,600 B803 365 Cockburn St - Burnfoot Lane to Hodge St, Falkirk 2011 5,293 A905 280 Earlsgate to Newlands Road, Grangemouth 2012 13,268 B803 366 Cow Wynd - Comely Park Terr to Griffiths Street 2012 8,522 A905 281 Newlands Road to M9 Beancross Slip 2012 11,793 B803 367 High Station Road - Griffiths St to Gartcows Rd 2012 8,548 A905 282 Beancross Slip to Cadgers, Grangemouth 2012 11,793 B803 368 Glen Brae - Gartcows Rd to Slamannan Rd 2012 14,564 A905 283 Inchyra Road - Cadgers to Wholeflats Road 2012 16,381 B803 369 Slamannan Road - Glenbrae to Lochgreen Rd 2012 3,825 A905 284 Wholeflats Road - Inchyra to Inveravon R/bt 2012 12,740 B803 370 Slamannan Road - Lochgreen Rd to Hillcresst Rd 2012 1,668 A993 332 From A904 to A706 Linlithgow Road, Bo'ness 2012 8,207 B803 371 Hillcrest Rd to Lionthorn Road, Falkirk 2012 2,536 A993 333 Dean Road, Bo'ness - A706 to Drum Road 2012 5,523 B803 372 Lionthorn Road to Darnrigg Road 2012 1,780 A993 334 Grahamsdyke Rd, Bo'ness - Drum Road to A904 2012 5,523 B803 373 Darnrigg Road to Balmulzier Farm, Slamannan 2012 2,469 B8022 341 Slammannan Road to Leppie Road, Slamannan 2012 606 B803 374 Balmulzier Farm to High Street, Slamannan 2012 2,550 B8022 342 Leppie Rd to Hillhead Farm Access, Slamananan 2012 500 B803 375 High Street to Brownrigg, Slamannan 2012 1,158 B8022 343 Hillhead Farm Access to High St, Slamannan 2012 608 B803 376 Brownrigg Slamannan to Council Boundary 2012 1,120 B8022 344 High St, Slamannan to B825 Black Loch 2012 913 B805 391 Laurieston Link Road 2012 13,245 B8028 350 Glen Brae - Slamannan Rd to Railway Tunnel 2012 10,903 B805 392 Boyd Street Diversion 2012 13,245 B8028 351 Railway Tunnel to Hallglen Road, Hallglen 2012 10,903 B805 393 Redding Road - Boyd Street to Main Street 2012 12,725 B8028 352 Hallglen Road to Wester Shieldhill Road 2012 6,554 B805 394 Redding Road - Main Street to Blairs Cottage 2012 13,881 B8028 353 Wester Shieldhill Road to Union St Glen Village 2012 6,554 B805 395 Blairs Cottage to B810 to Shieldhill 2012 10,691 B8028 354 Union St to Lower Greenbank Farm, Shieldhill 2012 5,784 B805 396 B810 to Shieldhill to Main Street, Brightons 2012 12,789

Appendix 3 Appendix B8028 355 Lower Greenbank Farm to Darnrigg Rd Shieldhill 2012 5,784 B805 397 Main Street Brightons to Standrigg Road 2012 6,858 B8028 356 Darnrigg Rd to Reddingmuirhead Road 2012 4,431 B805 398 Standrigg Road to Quarry Brae 2012 7,996 48 Date of Date of Route Link Location AADT Flow Route Link Location AADT Flow Count Count

B805 399 Quarry Brae to Wallacelea in Rumford 2012 8,704 B816 454 Dundas Cottages to M80 Southbound Slip 2012 4,835 B805 400 Wallacelea to Smithy Hill Road, Maddiston 2012 7,232 B816 455 Between Southbound and Northbound Slips 2012 5,473 B805 401 Smithy Hill Road to Vellore Road, Maddiston 2012 6,562 B816 455 Between Southbound and Northbound Slips 2012 5,473 B805 402 Vellore Rd to Cairneymount Church, Maddiston 2012 9,694 B818 460 Stoneywood Road - Nethermains to Grahamshill Terr 2012 2,433 B805 403 Cairneymount Church to Bowhouse Roundabout 2012 4,468 B818 461 Grahamshill Terr to Overton Farm 2012 519 B8080 430 Westburn Ave - Glenfuir Rd to Maggieswood Loan 2012 7,532 B818 462 Overton Farm to Carron Bridge Inn 2012 415 B8080 432 Westburn Ave - Maggieswood to Cockburn St 2012 7,421 B825 500 Linlithgow Bridge to Vellore Road 2012 1,752 B8080 433 Hodge Street - Cockburn St to Griffiths Street 2012 10,764 B825 501 Vellore Road to Railway Bridge East of Whitecross 2012 741 B8080 434 Cochrane Ave - Griffiths St to Comely Park Terrace 2012 10,793 B825 502 Railway Bridge to Myrehead Road 2012 730 B8080 435 Comely Park Terrace to Callendar Road 2012 14,787 B825 503 Myrehead Road to Bowhouse Roundabout 2012 840 B8080 436 Bellsmeadow Link Road 2012 6,104 B825 504 Bowhouse Roundabout to Boxton Road 2012 1,655 B8080 437 Station Road, Polmont - Main St to Salmon Inn Rd 2012 8,644 B825 505 Boxton Road Juntion to 220m South 2012 1,542 B810 438 Station Road, Polmont - Salmon Inn Rd to Quarry Br 2012 10,603 B825 506 From 220m south of Boxton Rd to south of War Mem 2012 1,297 B810 439 Main Street, Brightons - Quarry Brae to Maddiston Rd 2012 6,215 B825 507 From War Mem to Main Street Avonbridge 2012 1,188 B810 440 Newlands Rd - Maddisotn Rd to Reddingmuirhead Rd 2012 4,818 B825 508 Main Street to B8028 Junction North of Avonbridge 2012 1,165 B810 441 Shieldhill Rd - Reddingmuirhead Rd to Main St, S/hill 2012 3,886 B825 509 Between Junctions of B8028 in Avonbridge 2012 2,053 B810 443 Gelnfuir Rd - Camelon Rd to Westburn Ave, Falkirk 2012 3,484 B825 510 South Junction to Slamannan Road, Avonbridge 2012 1,067 B816 444 Glenfuir Rd - Westburn Ave to Windsor Rd, Falkirk 2012 8,058 B825 511 Slamannan Road to junction with B8022 Avonbridge 2012 1,066 B816 445 Glenfuir Rd - Windsor Rd to Lime Rd, Tamfourhill 2012 6,679 B825 512 Junction of B8022 to Limerigg Primary School 2012 521 B816 446 Bonnyhill Rd - Lime Road, Tamfourhill to Beam Road 2012 1,659 B825 513 Limerigg Primary School to B8022 Junction 2012 560 B816 447 Broomhill Rd, Bonnybridge - Beam Road to Reilly Rd 2012 1,888 B825 514 B8022 Junction to Council Boundary 2012 867 B816 448 Broomhill Rd, Bonnybridge - Reilly Rd to Seabegs Rd 2012 3,597 B902 540 New Carron Road - Bellsdyke Road to King Street 2012 11,389 B816 449 Bridge St, Bonnybridge - Seabegs Road to Main St 2012 9,535 B902 541 New Carron Road - King Street to Stenhouse Road 2012 10,644 B816 450 Seabegs Road - Bridge Street to Greenhill Rd 2012 5,653 B902 542 Carron Bellsdyke Rd - Stenhouse Rd to Mungalhead 2012 2,377 B816 451 Greenhill Road to Muirhead Cottage, Allandale 2012 2,938 B902 543 Main St, Bainsford - Mungalhead to FND Overbridge 2012 17,218

B816 452 Muirhead Cottage to Lochgreen Road, Allandale 2012 4,584 B902 544 Main St - FND Overbridge to Dalderse Ave, Falkirk 2012 17,577 DATA TRAFFIC B816 453 Lochgreen Road to Dundas Cottages, Allandale 2012 4,698 B902 545 Grahams Road, Falkirk - Dalderse Ave to Gowan Ave 2012 17,626 49 Date of Date of Route Link Location AADT Flow Route Link Location AADT Flow Count Count

B902 546 Grahams Road, Falkirk - Gowan Ave to Meeks Rd 2012 17,650 C116 666 Waterslap Road to Airth 2012 1,440 B902 547 Grahams Road, Falkirk - Meeks Rd to Garrison Place 2012 17,674 C116 667 Kincardine Road, Carronshore to North Main Street 2012 2,645 B903 551 Champany to Mannerston Road near Blackness 2012 621 C116 668 Kincardine Road, North Main Street to Main Street 2012 2,802 B903 552 Mannerston Road to the Square, Blackness 2012 334 C116 669 Kincardine Road - Main Street to Carron Works 2012 7,223 B904 554 Kirk Entry, Polmont - A803 to Grange Road 2012 2,921 C117 670 Griffiths Street, Falkirk 2012 188 B904 555 Grange Road to Northfoot Farm 2012 712 C12 675 Drove Road, Denny - Nethermains Rd to Kelt Rd 2012 1,022 B904 556 Northfoot Farm to Avondale Road 2012 630 C12 676 Kelt Road to Castlerankine Road 2012 141 B904 557 Avondale Road to Wholeflats Road 2012 1,365 C12 677 Castlerankine Rd to Langhill Farm 2012 40 B905 559 Denny Road - Checkbar to Kirkmailiing, Larbert 2012 2,187 C13 678 Peathill Road, Bonnybridge 2012 2,822 B905 560 Denny Road - Kirkmailing to Larbert Cross 2012 2,336 C14 679 Sunnyside Rd - Maddiston Rd to Wallacestonebrae 2012 1,526 B905 561 Main Street, Larbert - Larbert Cross to Muirhead Rd 2012 10,044 C14 680 Standrigg Rd - Wallacestonebrae to Smithyhill Rd 2012 714 B905 562 Muirhead Road to Tryst Road, Stenhousemuir 2012 12,962 C14 681 Standrigg Rd SmithyHill Rd to Melville Terrace 2012 1,071 B905 563 King St Stenhousemuir - Tryst Road to Kirk Avenue 2012 10,680 C15 682 Lochgreen Rd - B803 to Beam Road 2012 256 B905 564 King St Stenhousemuir - Kirk Ave to Carron Road 2012 8,397 C15 683 Lochgreen Rd - Beam Road to Greenhill Rd 2012 98 B9109 600 Mannerston Road near Blackness 2012 386 C15 684 Lochgreen Rd - Greenhill Rd to Allandale 2012 77 B9124 611 The Cowie Road - Council Boundary to North Airth 2012 70 C16 685 Greenhill Rd, Bonnybridge - Seabegs to Reilly Rd 2012 923 B9132 621 Newlands Rd - Beancross to Newhouse Rd 2012 10,457 C16 686 Greenhill Rd, Bonnybridge - Reilly Rd to Lochgreen 2012 53 B9132 622 Abbots Road - Newhouse Road to Bo'ness Rd 2012 7,981 C19 691 North Main Street, Carronshore - C116 to C42 2012 776 B9143 637 Inchyra Road - Wholeflats to Bo'ness Road 2012 13,889 C19 692 North Main St, Carronshore - C42 to C116 2012 3,577 C1 642 Muirhall Rd, Larbert 2012 2,917 C2 693 Darnrigg Rd, Shieldhill - Nappyfaulds to Leppie Rd 2012 906 C100 645 Manor Street, Falkirk 2012 2,047 C2 694 Darnrigg Rd - Leppie Rd to Wester Shieldhill Road 2012 1,059 C103 649 Maggieswood Loan (North), Falkirk 2012 1,177 C2 695 Darnrigg Rd - Wester Shieldhill Rd to Cross Brae 2012 914 C103 650 Maggieswood Loan (South), Falkirk 2012 3,077 C20 696 Denovan Road (Dunipace to Checkbar) 2012 457 C103 651 Windsor Road, Falkirk 2012 4,250 C26 706 Kelt Road, Banknock 2012 177 C109 657 Thornbridge Road, Falkirk 2012 693 C27 707 North Bank Rd, Bo'ness - A706 to Gauze Road 2012 3,302

Appendix 3 Appendix C111 661 School Road, Redding 2012 463 C27 708 North Bank Rd, Bo'ness - Gauze Rd to A904 2012 933 C115 665 Stenhouse Road, Stenhousemuir 2012 6,680 C28 709 Reddingmuirhead Rd - Salmon Inn Rd to School Rd 2012 3,593 50 Date of Date of Route Link Location AADT Flow Route Link Location AADT Flow Count Count

C28 710 Reddingmuirhead Rd - School Rd to Redding Rd 2012 3,593 C65 775 From Moss Road to Hamilton Road 2012 63 C28 711 Reddingmuirhead Rd - Redding Rd to Newlands Rd 2012 10,691 C65 776 Hamilton Road - Moss Road to Bellsdyke Road 2012 209 C28 712 Reddingmuirhead Rd - Newlands Rd to Standrigg Rd 2012 1,469 C65 777 Bogend Road near Torwood 2012 86 C29 713 Quarry Brae, Polmont 2012 4,540 C66 778 Smithyhill Road, Maddiston 2012 1,446 C3 715 Moss Road - Bellsdyke Rd to Bogend Rd 2012 2,069 C67 779 Northfield Road, Denny 2012 324 C3 716 Moss Road - Bogend Road to Cowie Road 2012 1,698 C69 781 Larbert Rd, Bonnybridge - Checkbar to Peathill Rd 2012 4,600 C3 717 Moss Road - Cowie Road to A905 2012 1,431 C69 782 Larbert Rd, Bonnybridge - Peathill Rd to High Street 2012 3,362 C30 718 Salmon Inn Rd - Grandsable to Main St, Redding 2012 6,809 C7 783 Vellore Road, Maddiston - Main St to Myrehead Rd 2012 1,244 C30 719 Salmon Inn Rd - Main Street to Staion Rd, Polmont 2012 4,489 C7 784 Vellore Road - Myrehead Rd to Linlithgow Bridge 2012 663 C32 723 Gauze Road, Bo'ness 2012 3,306 C70 785 Reilly Rd, Bonnybridge - Broomhill Rd to Greenhill Rd 2012 971 C39 731 Mungalhead Road, Falkirk 2012 1,895 C71 786 Grange Road, Grangemouth 2012 5,838 C41 737 Tak' Me Doon Road near Dunipace 2012 124 C72 787 Grangemouth Central - Union Road, Dundas Street 2012 2,677 C42 738 Bothkennar Road, Carronshore 2012 4,027 South Lumley Street, Newhouse Road C43 739 Drove Loan, Dennyloanhead 2012 3,500 C73 788 Dalgrain Road, Grangemouth 2012 6,614 C40 740 Castlerankine Road, Denny 2012 488 C75 790 Gartcows Road, Falkirk 2012 6,168 C45 741 Leppie Road, Slamannan to Boxton Road 2012 164 C9 809 Roman Road, Torwood 2012 995 C45 742 Boxton Road to Darnrigg Road 2012 176 C9 810 Glen Road, Torwood 2012 1,181 C46 743 Beam Road, High Bonnybridge 2012 342 C80 797 Dalderse Avenue, Falkirk 2012 10,371 C47 744 Wester Shieldhill Road, Glen Village 2012 474 C80 798 Thornhill Road, Falkirk 2012 8,365 C49 746 Wyndford Road, Near Banknock 2012 2,279 C8 796 Tryst Road, Stenhousemuir 2012 4,437 C50 750 Wilson Road, Carmuirs, Camelon 2012 3,002 C50 751 Carmuirs Avenue / Union Road, Camelon 2012 5,399 C51 752 Avondale Road at Lathallan Interchange 2012 1,038 C53 755 Boxton Road - Leppie Road to Avonbridge 2012 58 C53 756 Boxton Road - Btween B825 and B8028 Avonbridge 2012 83

C64 773 Cadgers Loan, Dunipace - Plean to Roman Road 2012 426 DATA TRAFFIC C64 774 Cadgers Loan, Dunipace - Roman Road to Dunipace 2012 179 51 Appendix 4: CONSULTATION SUMMARY

Participant Comments Accept Reject Action

Jon Anslow Lack of focus on rural areas and available and affordable transport choices   Check accessible transport section and social inclusion Close Council employee car parks and make all staff walk cycle or use public transport  None Parking passes for those who stay more than 4 miles from place of work  None Extend concessionary travel scheme to include the under 25s to discourage car usage  National statistics indicate car ownership and usage in the and ownership in this age group Under 25s is falling. Concessionary travel scheme is run nationally. Relaxing of urban bus lanes for rural dwellers  Impossible to enforce / manage Improve the state of the roads  Long term maintenance Larbert, Stenhousemuir The need for School Travel Plans  Currently being progressed and Torwood Community Council - Changes to infrastructure to allow pupils to get to and from school more safely and by   Identified through School Travel Plans Yvonne Weir sustainable means. Consideration is also required around new/revised crossing facilities, traffic calming,   Currently implemented around schools (20's Plenty). speed limit reduction and other methods to improve safety and traffic flow at the peak times. Implementation of effective workplace travel plans  Ongoing Falkirk Council can do to step up the pressure and support local businesses to adopt  Being done through planning process and S75 agreements. and implement effective and sustainable travel plans. Road Traffic Reduction Strategy does not have an Action Plan  Targets only - Policies are designed to meet targets. Appendix 4 Appendix

52 Participant Comments Accept Reject Action

Richard Robertson Newlands Rd, Reddingmuirhead, is a major and very popular walk to school route.  Would need to be assessed as part of any Traffic Strategy However it has become increasingly more dangerous over the past five or six years. The rather than LTS. existing traffic management "pinch points" are totally inadequate, and are simply doing nothing to slow traffic Speed bumps - Are excellent tools to reduce traffic speed, but unfortunately the pre-  Traffic calming measures / features will be designed and will fabricated "pyramid" ones used by Falkirk Council are absolutely useless and not fit for be site specific. It is not always the Council that installs purpose traffic calming. would refer to your statement regarding "high quality" footpath maintenance. May I  Quality of installation is not the purpose of the LTS. draw your attention to and invite you to inspect some "low quality" footpath work Implementation and quality will be part of the construction presently being carried out in Calder Place, Hallglen. - Poor, Poor value for taxpayer's process and be controlled by the Council's Roads money. Inspectors. Lack of Traffic Wardens in the town centre  Traffic wardens are employed by the Police Scotland Pamela Spence buses and pollution filthy and very old fleet  Not under Falkirk Council control Removal of the circular route through Stenhousemuir  Commercial operators decision. Integration of bus services with rail services at Larbert.  Commercial operators decision. Lorna Sneddon Will any useful bus routes be added to the Bo’ness area.  The Council currently has no plans to add bus routes. To encourage people to use trains then the parking should be cheaper/free as at the Council car parks are free or cheap to park in at all moment it is cheaper for me to travel alone in a car to Edinburgh each day rather than stations. Meeks Road is cheaper than the network rail car park and get the train each day park at Falkirk High Station. CONSULTATION SUMMARY CONSULTATION

53 Participant Comments Accept Reject Action

S Cochrane Reducing emissions introduce a forty pound fine for idling engines (Queensferry) as  Council cannot issue fixed penalty notices on the public babies and young children in push chairs/prams are very vulnerable to emissions highway because of the low level which they are usually at. Falkirk Council who regulate the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway and, after reading the  A balance has to be struck between pollution and transport report (reducing emissions), is there anything that can be done about the old promotion of tourist attractions and economic viability of diesel engines being used by the SRPS (there has been an increase in the last year)? town centres etc. David Wilson An extension to the parking provision at Falkirk High Station, with an additional 58 spaces,  Lack of available space. Only option is to double deck the identified for construction within the next 5 years Very unambitious – The main line from existing high station car park. Council has no control over Edinburgh to Glasgow should be a jewel in Falkirk’s crown and supported as such. this car park but will try and influence Network Rail. The Falkirk Council area has, at present, a reasonably efficient and frequent bus service  Commercial operations outwith the Council's control. throughout most of its area. You seem to have missed the major fines and criticism in Working with operators to reduce delays due to recent times of a bus system that is being cut to shreds. roadworks. support to cycling Some work done here, needs to be serious attempts to separate  Currently working on various projects. (Examples from vehicles from cycles by creating their own link routes. GC). Grangemouth Strategy clearly identifies the issues  Community Council Strategy clearly identifies a lack of funding  Clearly identifies the need for change  Unfounded wishlist which sets no quantifiable targets  Targets are in RTRP - Policies aim to deliver targets Contains no ranking process for proposed improvements  The LTS is not a wishlist of projects. No audit process by wish to measure success or failure  See above. Contains contradictory options for change  No examples have been given to support this statement Favours soft options  Over the last ten years Falkirk Council has built cycleways and footways and road improvements. There is a need to encourage people to take up Active Travel as the majority of trips are less than 5km. It also encourages healthier

Appendix 4 Appendix lifestyle, environment as well as better communities.

54 Participant Comments Accept Reject Action

Alex Pollock Stressed out at the council lottery regarding pot holes.  Roads Maintenance has prioritised programme for potholes Mike Smith 5.1 Falkirk's bus services are described as "efficient". They are effective in that transport  You need to provide service as an alternative form of provision is made, but not efficient as the buses usually have only one or two travel. Commercial services won't run without the passengers. Empty buses rumbling around Falkirk's streets can hardly be described as passenger numbers. Where there is a social need the efficient public transport. Council will try and provide when funding permits. PT6 The self-congratulation continues by describing the local taxi service as "high  Not the purpose of the LTS. quality". Falkirk's taxi drivers have a reputation for bad road manners exceeding speed limits and rarely using turning indicators. They are exempted from wearing seat belts as, nationally, it was fondly imagined that all taxi drivers would use doorbells, assist passengers and load/unload luggage. None of this happens in Falkirk. The car horn is used as a doorbell and the driver rarely leaves his seat, not even to have an illegal smoke between passengers. The problem with the complacency shown in the strategy is that there can be no plans  The LTS is not complacent but a series of policies that will to improve when improvement isn't seen as necessary. help deliver the aspirations of the area. Catherine Neil Regarding injury and fatalities have hot/bad spots been identified and measures put in  Sites have been identified and prioritised accordingly. place to allow the reduction of such accidents? Are their any plans for the running of late night buses?  There are currently no plans by the Council. Brian Muir Falkirk Council need to do more to maintain the road surface infrastructure that we  Budget constraints limit what can be done each year. currently have in place, some of the road surfaces at present are a complete disgrace. The council should also consider reducing light pollution, for example turn off every  Falkirk Council has no plans to switch off streetlighting but is other street lamp, this would have the knock-on effect of reducing costs, both direct & currently investigating the possible dimming of streetlights to indirect. reduce light pollution and power consumption Stephen Moore Just a quick note to say that I read the summary you sent me (but not the full report),  and it looks pretty good. You seem to have hit all the key points, and the plans seem

pretty sensible. SUMMARY CONSULTATION

55 Participant Comments Accept Reject Action

Ossie B It wont work.  No evidence to suggest Strategy will fail. Firstly you will always have the idiot in the 4*4 turning up with one kid with that look  Not Applicable on the face saying Oi have moar money than you. My child is a princess that has to be looked after from the scum that lives around here. Helen Fraser Positive plan Falkirk high and the surrounding area Reviewing disable residential parking:.  Blue badges are currently monitored as are disabled As I think it need to be monitored to ensure the correct balance is achieved as parking spaces. residential parking can be impossible at times. Do disable residential spaces get monitored and removed when there is no longer a requirement In the strategy can anything be done to: To ease the parking at the Dobby hall Larbert. Any  Individual parking issues are not covered by the LTS, there time there is an event the road becomes dangerous with parked cars on corners and is a set of general parking policies that may apply to junctions etc. Do we really need the one way restriction in Stenhousemuir at Asda as this individual areas such as the Dobbie Hall. split the access to James street etc. This causes increased traffic having to come back to the lights. I am concerns by the number of cars having to use the road and junction. I have observed a number of cars cutting the lights especially at school finishing times. Andrew McAteer As per your strategy summary, you are looking for areas to avoid more noise, fuel usage  Traffic calming measures are designed to improve road and car wear and tear through breaking and accelerating due to having to slow down etc. safety. If used properly by drivers there should be little I would be very interested to understand what the speed bump and road calming policy is impact on the environment and vehicle wear and tear. in the region in alignment with this because both cause a lot of these issues on Noise and Environment, as well as the severe wear and tear on car suspension and wheels, costing a lot of money to car owners. I don't know what the positive impact on road safety has been from implementing road  After studies have concluded that a drop in vehicle speed calming measures, but I would be interested to find out - my current perception is that has occurred as a result of traffic calming which in turn they are a lot more trouble than they are worth and when you add the poor quality of reduces the likelihood and severity of accidents. the road surfaces and the remedial work required to the roads around about them it is costing a lot more than the safety advantages we are gaining in return. It would also be good to understand if the Building Contractors are paying a fair share  All vehicles currently pay "road tax" which entitles them to of infrastructure costs when they build houses into the area and are actually ensuring a use the public road, to ask for further contributions for good job is done from the outset - Newlands Road has been destroyed in the process HGVs would not be the remit of Falkirk Council. of building extensions to the Polmont YOl, the Braes High School and Wallace Brae Housing Development and I am wondering what the tax payer has got back from the Developer contribution received through the planning process can be used to improve the local road network.

Appendix 4 Appendix three main contractors involved in these developments....other than more speed bumps, which keep falling apart, a really poor road surface and increased car costs?.

56 Participant Comments Accept Reject Action

Lindsay McQuaker Hello Folks, you have certainly have nearly everything covered. I would point out  Budget limitations and prioritising pot-holes. Most services though, you are very slow in filling potholes in some areas, and I appreciate that finances are commercial services and as such are outwith the are tight but it just needs one accident to occur. Regards the PSVs, some bus routes control of the Council. The bus operators main cost is the would benefit from smaller vehicles as I've noticed larger ones running empty and this driver. They require to put on a vehicle for the peak use for not cost effective. Falkirk is a nice district but the town centre is dire. any part of the day. For instance if a bus operates a school service contract they may require a larger vehicle than for a normal bus service. Dereck Anderson I mostly use my bike to travel to work(Ineos) but the state of the cycle lane along  Currently unaware of any particular problems regarding Bo'ness Rd is a disgrace. If we are looking to encourage this mode of transport then the state of the cycle lanes in Grangemouth. But this can some areas need improving. be investigated. CONSULTATION SUMMARY CONSULTATION

57 CITIZEN’S PANEL SUMMARY

1. ROADS & PARKING

Answered question: 392 Response Agree Disagree No Opinion Skipped question: 31 Count

No. %age No. %age No. %age

Our roads, lighting and footways are in good condition 133 34.82 234 61.26 15 3.93 382 Road traffic congestion is an issue in my town or village 121 32.70 207 55.95 42 11.35 370 Road traffic congestion is an issue on the main roads in the Council area 174 47.28 158 42.93 36 9.78 368 It is difficult to find a parking place on the road where I live 102 27.72 226 61.41 40 10.87 368 There is sufficient parking in town centres in the Council area 232 63.39 111 30.33 23 6.28 366 Parking charges should be used to reduce car borne commuter journeys 100 28.90 197 56.94 49 14.16 346 I would use public transport as an alternative to bringing my car into town if measures were introduced to give priority to buses. 136 38.75 129 36.75 86 24.50 351 Noise and/or air pollution are a problem where I live. 75 21.13 238 67.04 42 11.83 355 Appendix 4 Appendix

58 2. TRAVEL CHOICES

Answered question: 393 Response Agree Disagree No Opinion Skipped question: 30 Count

No. %age No. %age No. %age

Following the Take the Right Route Campaign the Council should carry out promotional activities to encourage people to walk, cycle, or use public transport. 254 75.37 37 10.98 46 13.65 337 I can walk or cycle for my most common journey 137 38.92 191 54.26 24 6.82 352 I want to have access to a car regardless of the alternatives available 228 64.04 80 22.47 48 13.48 356 My choice of where to live, work or shop is limited by my travel choices 107 30.40 206 58.52 39 11.08 352 Space on roads should be given over to cycle lanes 197 53.97 117 32.05 51 13.97 365 I would be willing to car share for my most common journey 146 42.82 102 29.91 93 27.27 341 I can use a bus service for my most common journey 180 48.91 167 45.38 21 5.71 368 I can use a train service for my most common journey 99 28.29 213 60.86 38 10.86 350 Improvements to bus and train facilities should take preference over new roads or road improvements 135 37.29 193 53.31 34 9.39 362 I have enough information about public transport to be able to use it 267 72.75 80 21.80 20 5.45 367 Buses should be given priority over cars on town centre roads 215 57.80 115 30.91 42 11.29 372 I walk or cycle as part of my recreation or leisure time 240 67.99 78 22.10 35 9.92 353 School pupils should walk or cycle to school where possible 338 89.66 18 4.77 21 5.57 377 CONSULTATION SUMMARY CONSULTATION

59 3. ROAD SAFETY AND SCHOOL TRAVEL

Answered question: 393 Response Agree Disagree No Opinion Skipped question: 30 Count

No. %age No. %age No. %age

Road Safety is more important than the free movement of traffic 328 88.17 26 6.99 18 4.84 372

My local roads are unsafe for me as a pedestrian or cyclist 102 28.49 216 60.34 40 11.17 358 My local roads are unsafe for me as a driver or passenger 45 13.27 263 77.58 31 9.14 339 Lower traffic speeds generally improve road safety 286 77.72 67 18.21 15 4.08 368 Traffic calming should be used where necessary to reduce vehicle speeds 228 62.64 120 32.97 16 4.40 364 I would like to see parking restrictions for cars on roads at local schools 312 83.65 31 8.31 30 8.04 373 Appendix 4 Appendix

60 4. DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER COMMENTS ABOUT TRANSPORT ISSUES IN THE FALKIRK COUNCIL AREA? Answered question: 114 Skipped question: 319

Until safe cycle lanes are put in place children should not be A bus service down South Broomage would be lovely. Buses can I do use buses as I dont drive but feel they are a bit expensive encouraged to cycle to school but they can walk. Foundry Loan come down to Ladeside School quite easily, so do not see any and would be used by more people as an alternative if prices Larbert would be a wonderful place for cycle lanes then people problem. were better and would cut down on congestion in town centres from The Inches and Kinnaird may cycle to the station instead of and problems with parking Cars travel too fast. Thoughtless parking, blocking access to using the car. garages, but nowhere else to park Public transport is expensive and unreliable in my experience. In More cycle lanes are needed as well as routes which are not addition the service provisions are inadequatebin regards to i think all schools should have adequate parking facilities. High much longer than the direct road route (cycle routes often take routes and the times at which services run. For example buses Schools have good parking, primary schools should also have long and circuitous routes between towns) do not begin running early enough in my area to allow me to enough parking for parents. This is not being provided and there get the bus to work, but even if they did I would require to get More cycle lanes are needed as well as routes which are not is alot of congestion at St. Francis Xaviers school and it can be 2 buses and still walk, or 3 buses if I had to drop kids off at much longer than the direct road route (cycle routes often take dangerous. childcare provider. It would cost me more than taking car and long and circuitous routes between towns)Police should enforce Question - why does this form have to be printed in 2 tone add nearly 2hrs to my day. parking restrictions near schools. paper. It is a waste of money. I would complete it just the same if A station should be built at either High Bonnybridge or Heavy goods vehicles using roads where there is housing is a it was all white. Please look at costings and investigate Allandale, or possible Castlecarey in collaboration with North problem. train service very good most of the time. I find the bus service Lanarkshire Council I understand that the budget does not allow the repair of every very bad though. The buses can be early or late or just not turn I think it's great the work that is being done with the Helix pothole, but would like to see roads more 'bump-free'. As a up at all, which makes it very unreliable to use. I end up having project on path and cycle lanes, however in general cycle disabled driver this is a priority for me. to use the car just so I know i will get somewhere on time. In paths/lanes are very disjointed and still require the use of or addition to this many of the bus drivers are unpleasant or dont The standard of buses and bus services is not adequate for crossing the actual carriageway of some busy roads. I.e. the new even acknowledge the passengers. A few people I know say the public use by the majority. Drivers driving off before passengers path from Laurieston to The Helix requires crossing the A9 very same thing. Perhaps they should get positions behind the scenes are ready. Bring back conductors - much safer! close to the Ice House Brea roundabout, without even a safe and have pleasant people driving the buses. I know if these haven halfway across. Light up 30mph signs to stop people speeding. Replace speed issues were resolved I would use the bus service much more bumps that damage cars and are dangerous to emergency and others would too Encourage more people to build garages for their cars, thus service vehicles reducing street congestion and theft. CONSULTATION SUMMARY CONSULTATION

61 it would be safer if you could walk on pavements. on our street traffic calming humps installed in Foundry Loan Larbert are a Public transport is prohibitively expensive in this area. I moved one side has cars parked on pavements the other side is uneven complete nuisance, they are falling apart and being repaired using here from North Ayshire and was shocked at how expensive and hedges overgrown tar, some are badly spaced making it easy for cars to weave the local buses are and how expensive rail travel is. Given that arround them,cars are also taking other route to avoid the humps this area is more central than my previous address I cannot I get on the bus regular and do alot of walking. Alot of car causing other routes to be busier.Cars are also parking between believe how much more it costs me if I want to use public drivers are getting away with it too easily. They are parking the humps at the station causing more overtaking problems. transport and this has caused me to use my car more since anywhere now. Buses are struggling moving here.My daughter lives in Edinburgh and she is shocked too much use of traffic calming on roads -not convinced it car sharing is in principle a good idea but i have concerns about at how expensive it is here in comparison. makes any difference eg Polmont Road in Laurieston -use islands liabilty in the case of accidents. as racing "chicanes" Road calming doesn't work only encourages "boy racers" and it is not always as simple as stop using your car. as a carer for causes more problems when roads are busy. Living in the upper Braes area, we often get the impression that two disabled parents my car is useful in the event that they need the Council fails to appreciate the different weather conditions Most of my family members cycle where possible however, as I help. encountered, compared with the centre of Falkirk. This is often have significant mobility problems I need to use a car. I found it Cycles need to be monitored.Many do not use lanes already seen as delays in pre-gritting of roads and snow clearance, etc. difficult to answer this group of questions & suggest that you provided, They ride in wrongs lanes around junctions and factor in something about disability in next survey of this kind. There is severe traffic congestion around St. Margaret's School without signals. Many risk injury by not wearing helmets. at start/finish times. Salmon Inn Rd. now caters for 2 new The humps on some roads are an aggravated hazard to the pot holes, pot holes and more pot holes. I see new roads built housing schemes. motorist and damaging to vehicles. and within six months pot holes appear. i hope the council do Traffic calming but not speed bumps. I think speed cameras should be located near all schools - and not have to meet the cost of this but the original contractors! not on motorways which are statistically the safest roads. A more frequent and integrated system would be helpful eg. 2 Reduce congestion by improving traffic flows at roundabouts by buses reach my home village - BOTH leave the town centre at Many of the roads still require attention from the winterand making two full width lanes on busy approach roads. exactly the same time, once an hour. Bus scheduled to arrive at many estates approach road are in need of repairs. Wallacestone Primary School continues to be a problem with train station as the train is leaving. up the standard of buses in the falkirk area too many vehicles for the space available. Some arrangement Buses are far too expensive to be a viable transport option in could be made with the owners of the Old British legion Club parking restrictions for cars on roads at local schools needs to Falkirk. which is all closed off, to provide additional parking spaces. be enforced. When pedestrian lights fail, eg at Comely Park school for several You notice a marked differnce in volume of traffic during any speeding is a major issue on the through road from hallglen brae weeks, Council refused to provide substitute warnings to School holiday or in-service day. pavements are safe to walk to laurieston motorists and thereby increased risk to Crossing Patrol and roads are not safe for cycling .so focus on children walking to children, and also general pedestrians outside Patrol hours. My new builds appear everywhere and no provision is made to school would be a heathy choice for polution and persoal correspondence was dealt with in a jobsworth way and without acknowledge the massive increase in traffic, especially onto fitness. do not provide taxis for children who are within any desire to innovate. I hope this is not typical, but it revealed a Grahams Road and main routes out of Falkirk towards

Appendix 4 Appendix resonable walking distances. severe ignorance of risk managment issues in road safety. motorway access.

62 The cost of public transport (buses in particular) is the main I would like a better bus service between Maddiston, Rumford Road humps do not slow the traffic - they cause damage to reason I don't use it more. and Grangemouth. cars, annoy drivers who drive more quickly between them, and cause drivers to swerve across the road to avoid them. Not I travel to falkirk from rumford by bus most saturdays.I think All children should walk or travel by bus to school/nursery. enough pelican crossings - crossing the 803 in Banknock is only there are far too many services(5 or 6 each hour) but Speeding is a major issue in the Falkirk area. Cars going through for the brave or fool hardy. Buses are not an option for us - far sometimes 2 or 3 almost empty buses within a very short time red traffic lights is getting worse - mainly local taxis. Cars parking too infrequent and very expensive. Can park in Falkirk for the then a long gap. Fewer buses running to time would be better. on double yellow lines and at road junctions in Laurieston. day cheaper than getting on the bus for a family of 4. my son will definetly not be able to walk or cycle to school as There are a lot of potholes, which need attention Hospital buses should be better advertised, with a sign on the there is no school crossing over a very buy road (glen brae). bus stop. 30 mph limit on Kilysth Road, Haggs is not kept - traffic speeds The bus service from my area runs once per hour which is not all the time, even through speed sign. More parking should be available in Bonnybridge - the only car very good park is full of pot holes. Resident-only parking areas should be The local buses are the worst I have seen anywhere, having Constant failure to parking restrictions at bus stops. available on streets with no driveways. travelled extensively across Britain. The buses are clapped out. The speed in which car drivers use Belmont Avenue is an Speed bumps can be painful for those in cars who have As a pedestrian walking on pavements, I have been almost accident waiting to happen.. We need traffic calming before problems with their hips, etc. knocked down by cyclists both young and mature, several times. something happens, police never monitor rhis area.. Public transport is more expensive than the fuel cost for the traffic in derwent avenue too fast - need something to slow I have recently had to surrender my garage at 8 Carnegie Drive, same journeys. The buses are often dirty as well. them down as I could not afford the increased rent. This contradicts the few parking options for bicycles - not a cycle friendly town policy of trying to reduce on-street parking. Bus services in the evening are a problem - Saturdays and Sundays the last bus from Maddiston is 8:30pm, whereas this Recent choice of home partly influenced by availability of Speed of traffice is ridiculous on part of Dean Road, from used to be 11pm frequent bus service and proximity to bus stops. Old home too Cadzow Ave to Erngath Rd NEED TO REDUCE NO. OF PARKED CARS ON LARBER far from bus route. Public transport is not fit for purpose - organised to benefit the MAIN STREET. CONGESTION IS AN ISSUE THERE. CARS Pupils should walk to school where it is safe, to stop congestion. operator, not the user! INSIST ON PARKING OPPOSITE ONE ANOTHER WHICH Grangemouth should have a train station. Some roads are in shocking condition - potholes, bumps, loose NARROWS THE ROAD FOR LARGER VEHICLES AND BUSES tarmac. Many roads in Polmont/Redding areas require attention TRYING TO GET THROUGH. Traffic near schools can be a problem. I agree with more cycle lanes - I have a bike, but generally walk, as I am afraid to cycle on Carronshore - speeding motorists still a concern in Webster PARKING FINES TOO HIGH. TRAFFIC LIGHTS A DISGRACE the road. Cheaper day passes for buses would help. Ave, also speeding in Kincardine Rd during school times, despite We need a crossing to get to the shops from Anderson Drive in the 20mph flashing signs Denny The phasing of traffic signals seems poorly thought out at some locations SUMMARY CONSULTATION

63 The road to the High Station must be made 20mph as the Very strongly agree with parking restrictions for cars on roads at TOO MANY BY PASSES END IN LOG JAMS. residents vehicles leaving driveways are often reversed on to the local schools. Tinto drive in Grangemouth is an accident waiting Road works are the major problem. why do companies need to road. The traffic using this road in general is travelling too fast. to happen with all the cars parked there when schools finish. dig up roads so often and why does it have to always take so The car parking on this road at the shop is shambolic especially Double yellows should be on both sides of road outside of long? now with the regular bus service to the station. schools. There are parking and speed restrictions around our local WE HAVE NO BUS SERVICE FROM BELLSDYKE ROAD ON schools should be no waiting/parking especially on main roads school and they are blatently ignored KINNAIRD VILLAGE ESTATE. I WOULD USE BUS MORE Misuse of disabled parking spaces should be vigourously OFTEN IF THERE WAS A BUS INTO FALKIRK. ONLY Car parking at schools should be available within school grounds punished. HOSPITAL RUNS UP BELLSDYKE ROAD. THERE ARE only and not at the top of my street for example in Old Redding ALREADY BUS STOPS BUT NO BUS. THEY ONLY RUN TO Bad driving is the main cause of accidents. Road conditions are Road Laurieston. This is dangerous for other road users. THE INCHES. OTHERWISE QUITE A GOOD SERVICE shocking. Mothers - especially those who work - often need the I have to use the bus service but I notice recently that some flexibility and safety of driving themselves. I couldn't work I have had to complain a few times about school buses not services have been cut. I attended the last area form meeting without a car. Buses are far too expensive - given that it is so stopping for my children. and heard one man stating that ecause of these changes in the expensive for young people to drive we should be making bus bus times, he was late for work. Boy racers speeding down Thornhill Road on Thursday nights - fares lower for this disadvantaged group. especially 1st Thursday of month. This clashes with late night big bus half empty - waste of money. free park and ride. car Don't punish car drivers! shopping. Extend speed bumps along Thornhill Road. owners will not walk from bus stop to house with large don't know what you can do about 'boy racers' speeding along amounts of shopping, not everyone lives on bus route Would be good to have cycle tracks on all main raods. local roads, the only thing is traffic calming, i think I would not like to see speed bumps introduced. Not aware of Local bus transport is good and free for me! bus reliability is very poor. Late evening transport is very poor bus services to Falkirk High Station from Grangemouth. Skinflats is a dangerous road with the traffic calming at pavement particularly buses. The council should promote driving safety by partnering with sides. really dislike traffic calming as I think they cause more problems someone like IAM. Too many cyclists on pavements. like people using side roads to avoid the speed bumps. Traffic calming is a major problem in Reddingmuirhead and I do not drive, and use public transport all of the time, it's just a Promote use of motorbikes, mopeds etc Wallacestone with too many, badly engineered and badly sited pity that these services are poor and do not offer any public calming and is cause of many complaints to the Community In my street - opposite Westquarter Primary - it is impossible to transport to South Queensferry. Council and no notice is taken of this by council officials Russell move at the end of the school day and lunch times. A further Steadman and Duncan Gardiner who are responsible for these I do not have a car and travel by bus and find that the service 10 problem is the discourteous habit people have of parking at issuses. They are not prepared to listen to the public (Circular Route) often fails to turn up or runs 20 mins early on a opposite sides of the street making driving very dangerous as I representation made to them at now 2 CC meetings. Sunday - not everyone has a car and this causes great have to wind in and out to get to my home. (Elm Drive). Yellow inconvenience especially for people who rely on public lines on one side of the street would enforce safe parking. Appendix 4 Appendix transport to go to work.

64 As a disabled person I have answered the questions above for Which idiot wasted the taxpayers money on the bus lanes in Cycle lanes locally seem to have been a waste -rarely see a even though I cannot use public transport I agree with many of Falkirk? The changes made only served to reduce the traffic flow. cyclist using them, more often on adjacent pavement. Have the things you are trying to do. More PC nonsense. never seen any police involvement with cyclists. There is not an adequate bus service to California from Falkirk. Which idiot installed the traffic lights next to Morrisons and roads which are long and encourage high speeds should have There are two bus routes and they both leave Falkirk on or didn't sync them with the lights less than 100 yards away? bumps at t junctions or cross roads about the hour. It would make good sense if the services were Councils and common sense don't seem to mix these days. Traffic calming can be hazardous andcreate as many problems if staggered - to provide a half-hourly service - and even better We need a train stop at edinburgh airport to cut down the the incorrect type is used sense if there were more than the two bus services (currently present necessity for car use. no. 40 and 29) running. While the buses into Falkirk from Maddistion are pretty regular, parking restrictions would be good on roads at local schools as this isn't the case in other areas. Also, bus transport from the Traffic calming is an abysmal 'solution' to traffic issues. The long as they do not prevent access to disabled people more remote villages (i.e. California) isn't the best - and the 'sleeping policeman' bumps on the road make travelling on the buses there have a tendency to run late. affected road uncomfortable for both public and private If the cost of travel on public transport was a lot cheaper, then transport. In the instance of the road from Brightons to people would be able to afford to leave the car at home. At all residential areas should have a 20mph limit Wallacestone, cars steer to the sides or middle of the sleeping present, it costs £25 for me to travel to and from work 5 days I have complained about the lack of a crossing patrol at Falkirk policemen, to try and reduce the bump - thereby confusing per week. It only costs me £10 in petrol to do this plus all my Road near Anderson Park but 2 little has been done. I have also other drivers, often driving down the middle of the road. other journeys outwith work time. Huge difference! voiced concerns about a dangerous road junction outside my The 'chicaine' is a traffic hazard, forcing cars into the path of 1. What is the "Take the Right Route Campaign"? home. Councillor Buchanan has been involved but progress is oncoming traffic. There is a breed of determined careless drivers painfully slow and has taken about 2 years and still no site visit!!! 2. There are too many bus shelters in Falkirk town centre that who can race oncoming vehicles at a chicaine - or else force On the subject of bus travel, I would happily travel by bus to my block pavements. The one on Grahamston Railway bridge is an oncoming traffic to brake suddenly. It is my firm belief that the work in Bainsford but I have to take 2 buses (changing at Asda example. This should be rmoved as there is a bus stop about roads are made unsafe by the very measures intended to slow Falkirk). This journey takes well over an hour. If I travel by car it 100 yards further down the road at the Graeme hotel. the traffic down. When the traffic slows or stops, the vehicle is takes about 8 minutes! Where is the incentive to travel by bus? driving in a lower gear and thereby increasing emissions and calming measures should be removed to allow snow clearing In addition this bus journey would cost about £5 for a single!!! adding to global warming. operations to take place on roads on housing estates where Buses should be smaller/cheaper and more of them. there are steep hills Transport is generally good, but an easy route to Edinburgh airport would be beneficial - I live a mile from Falkirk G'ston and Lord, I have to travel throught Scotland - its the joy of living work two miles from the airport, yet the public transport option here. For gods sake dont use cars as an evironmentall friendly just doesn't work for me. option - it isn't feasible and it persecutes those that have no option - again. Speed bumps should be removed. They cause frustration nad make drivers irritated. short narrow sections are far better. CONSULTATION SUMMARY CONSULTATION

65 CITIZEN’S PANEL GRAPHS

Roads and Parking (1) Roads and Parking (2)

70.00 80.00 61.3 Agree 61.4 Disagree 60.00 55.9 70.00 67.0 No Opinion 63.4 Agree 50.00 47.3 60.00 56.9 Disagree 42.9 No Opinion 40.00 50.00 34.8 32.7 38.7 %age 30.00 27.7 40.00 36.8 %age 30.3 28.9 30.00 20.00 24.5 21.1 11.4 9.8 10.9 20.00 10.00 14.2 3.9 11.8 10.00 6.3 0.00 0.00 live village Road traffic Road traffic roads in the Council area Road traffic Road traffic congestion is an good condition the road where I live. issue on the main congestion is an It is difficult to find It is difficult a parking place on Our roads, lighting issue in my town or and footways are in journeys commuter into town if pollution are a Council area alternative to centres in the Noise and/or air problem where I parking in town transport as an bringing my car measures were Parking charges priority to buses. reduce car borne There is sufficient There is sufficient should be used to introduced to give I would use public

Travel Choices (1) Agree Travel Choices (2) Agree Disagree 80.00 75.4 Disagree No Opinion 100.00 No89.7 Opinion 70.00 64.0 90.00 58.5 60.00 54.3 54.0 80.00 72.8 48.9 68.0 45.4 70.00 60.9 50.00 42.8 57.8 38.9 60.00 53.3 40.00 30.4 32.1 50.00

%age 29.9 27.3 37.3 30.00 22.5 40.00 28.3 30.9 20.00 13.6 13.5 14.0 30.00 21.8 22.1 11.0 11.1 6.8 20.00%age 10.00 5.7 10.9 9.4 11.3 9.9 10.00 5.4 4.8 5.6 0.00 0.00 journey cycle lanes common journey leisure time common journey common journey school where possible road improvements on town centre roads transport to be able use it of the alternatives available limited by my travel choices I can use a bus service for my most I can use a train service for my most School pupils should walk or cycle to Following the Take the Right Route Take Following the I have enough information about public Space on roads should be given over to Buses should be given priority over cars to walk, cycle, or use public transport. I can walk or cycle for my most common Improvements to bus and train facilities Campaign the Council should carry out I walk or cycle as part of my recreation I want to have access a car regardless should take preference over new roads or I would be willing to car share for my most promotional activities to encourage people My choice of where to live, work or shop is Appendix 4 Appendix

66 BUSINESS SUMMARY

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING TRANSPORT INITIATIVES DOES YOUR ORGANISATION PROMOTE OR ENCOURAGE?

Bike to work scheme 63.6% Work Place Travel Plan 9.1% Pool Car Scheme 36.4% Car sharing Scheme 36.4% Dedicated public transport 18.2% Subsidised sustainable travel (bus tickets, train tickets etc.) 9.1% Video Conferencing 36.4% Salary Sacrifice Bike Scheme 27.3% Cycle Lockers 45.5% Shower facilities 63.6% Any other (please specify) 9.1% CONSULTATION SUMMARY CONSULTATION

67 Issue 1 – Road Traffic Growth

Traffic on main roads across the Council area has grown by an average of 2% over the past 4 years. This can create congestion, with associated economic, health and environmental impacts. How should Falkirk Council address road traffic growth?

Agree Disagree No opinion

Option 1 - Build new roads in town centres and other areas to reduce congestion on existing roads 9.1% 81.8% 0.0%

Option 2 - Manage town centre parking resources, using charging and time restrictions to control levels of traffic. 54.5% 9.1% 36.4%

Option 3 - Charge for use of roads, with aim of reducing traffic or changing patterns of journeys. 18.2% 72.7% 9.1%

Option 4 - Change priorities on roads to favour buses, cyclists and pedestrians by reallocating road space. 54.5% 36.4% 9.1%

Option 5 - Reduce traffic levels by promoting other modes e.g. walking cycling & public transport 90.9% 0.0% 9.1%

Issue 2 – Network Condition

How should Falkirk Council address network condition issues (potholes, poor quality road surfaces etc.)?

Agree Disagree No opinion

Option 1 - Maintain existing budgets, focusing on most pressing maintenance issues first. 81.8% 0.0% 18.2%

Option 2 - Increase budgets, possibly by reducing services in other areas. 18.2% 45.5% 36.4%

Option 3 - Close routes that cannot be maintained to focus on priority routes 0.0% 63.6% 36.4% Appendix 4 Appendix

68 Issue 3 – Social Exclusion

31% of households in the Council area have no access to a car. This means that a significant group of people are excluded from many opportunities others may take for granted. How should Falkirk Council address social exclusion issues?

Agree Disagree No opinion

Option 1 - Provide new walking and cycling routes to improve accessibility for people without cars. 90.9% 9.1% 0.0%

Option 2 - Reduce costs associated with public transport use where practical. 90.9% 0.0% 9.1%

Option 3 - Improve public transport services by engaging with operators to try and increase the choice of routes or frequency of services. 100.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Option 4 - Reduce need to travel (e.g. home working, internet shopping) by encouraging sustainable mixed use development. 81.8% 18.2% 0.0%

Option 5 - Improve bus stop infrastructure and timetabling information (timetable panels, text messaging, and real time information systems). 90.9% 0.0% 9.1%

Issue 4 – Noise, Vibration and Air Pollution

What measures should Falkirk Council introduce to reduce noise, vibration and air pollution?

Agree Disagree No opinion

Option 1 - Reduce traffic flows on congested links, where air pollution is above defined levels 63.6% 27.3% 9.1%

Option 2 - Improve the flow of traffic on roads to reduce delays, so reducing air pollution from idling engines. 100.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Option 3 - Use alternate fuels for buses, public service vehicles etc., where these reduce air pollution 100.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Option 4 - Reduce traffic by promoting alternate modes e.g. walking and cycling and by encouraging car sharing. 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% CONSULTATION SUMMARY CONSULTATION

69 Issue 5 – Road Safety

Numbers of serious and fatal casualties have fallen. Further work is needed, however, to improve road safety. How can Falkirk Council improve road safety?

Agree Disagree No opinion

Option 1 - Deliver effective designs for new and improved infrastructure. 90.9% 0.0% 0.0%

Option 2 - Promote road safety education for all road users. 100.0% 0.0% 9.1%

Option 3 - Use traffic calming, speed enforcement or traffic restrictions where appropriate to promote safety. Including 20mph limits in all residential areas. 90.9% 0.0% 0.0%

Option 4 - Encourage safe practice in transport use, through publicity, application of design standards etc 100.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Issue 6 – Mobility and Access

Levels vary across the population, and many members of the community are excluded or disadvantaged by barriers that others in the community may not recognise.

Agree Disagree No opinion

Option 1 - Improve existing transport infrastructure and vehicles to reduce barriers to access. 81.8% 0.0% 0.0%

Option 2 - Provide transport information in accessible formats, catering for specialist needs where they exist. 90.9% 0.0% 9.1%

Option 3 - Provide new accessible vehicles and services where appropriate to meet specific needs. 81.8% 9.1% 0.0% Appendix 4 Appendix

70 Issue 7 – Health

Air pollution, the long term impacts of obesity, and ailments associated with lack of physical activity have become more common. Some forms of transport offer solutions to these problems.

Agree Disagree No opinion

Option 1 - Increase walking and cycling, particularly amongst younger age groups. 100.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Option 2 - Encourage the use of low emission vehicles especially cars and buses. 90.9% 0.0% 9.1%

Option 3 - Provide and improve infrastructure to promote walking and cycling. 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% Option 4 - Develop a marketing campaign and measures to encourage people to walk and cycle to access local amenities detailing the health benefits 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% associated with active travel.

Issue 8 – Economy and Freight

Our economy is reliant on the movement of people and goods, yet these contribute to some of the traffic problems facing us. Transport capacity is limited and we must recognise that action is needed to address the conflict between freight and other uses.

Agree Disagree No opinion

Option 1 - Dedicate road capacity to freight or other core economic purposes, possibly by identifying freight only routes, or restricting access for other 45.5% 27.3% 0.0% vehicles when freight movements are taking place. Option 2 - Reduce competing pressures on the transport network, by promoting other forms of travel or prioritising freight movements on key sections of 54.5% 9.1% 9.1% network. Option 3 - Promote the transfer of strategic freight movements from road to rail. 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% Option 4 - Look at priority routes for road freight and improve flow through the key corridors and junctions identified in NPF2. (e.g. A801 Upgrade, better 81.8% 0.0% 0.0% access to M9 at Junction 6, Laurieston Road upgrade). CONSULTATION SUMMARY CONSULTATION

71 BUSINESS SUMMARY GRAPHS

Road Traffic Growth Social Exclusion

1 1 1 0.909 0.909 0.909 0.909 0.9 Agree 0.9 Agree 0.818 0.818 Disagree Disagree 0.8 0.8 0.727 No opinion No opinion 0.7 0.7

0.6 0.545 0.545 0.6

0.5 0.5

0.4 0.364 0.364 0.4

0.3 0.3

0.182 0.182 0.2 0.2

0.091 0.091 0.091 0.091 0.091 0.091 0.091 0.091 0.1 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 aOption 1 - Build new roads in town sOption 2 - Manage town centre bOption 3 - Charge for use of roads, kOption 4 - Change priorities on roads aOption 5 - Reduce traffic levels by cOption 1 - Provide new walking and MOption 2 - Reduce costs associated Option 3 - Improve public transport yOption 4 - Reduce need to travel (e.g. Option 5 - Improve bus stop centres and other areas to reduce parking resources, using charging and with aim of reducing traffic or changing to favour buses, cyclists and promoting other modes e.g. walking cycling routes to improve accessibility with public transport use where services by engaging with operators to home working, internet shopping) by infrastructure and timetabling congestion on existing roads time restrictions to control levels of patterns of journeys. pedestrians by reallocating road space. cycling & public transport for people without cars. practical. try and increase the choice of routes or encouraging sustainable mixed use information (timetable panels, text traffic. frequency of services. development. messaging, and real time information systems).

Road Safety Health

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0.909 0.909 0.909 0.9 0.9

0.8 0.8

0.7 Agree 0.7 Agree Disagree Disagree 0.6 No opinion 0.6 No opinion

0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.091 0.091 0.091 0.1 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 QOption 1 - Increase walking and cycling, POption 2 - Encourage the use of low emission MOption 3 - Provide and improve infrastructure to ±Option 4 - Develop a marketing campaign and 0 particularly amongst younger age groups. vehicles especially cars and buses. promote walking and cycling. measures to encourage people to walk and cycle IOption 1 - Deliver effective designs for new and

72 Network Condition Noise, Vibration and Air Pollution

1 1 1 1 1 0.9 Agree 0.818 0.9 Disagree 0.8 No opinion 0.8 0.7 0.636 0.7 Agree 0.636 Disagree 0.6 0.6 No opinion

0.5 0.455 0.5

0.4 0.364 0.364 0.4

0.3 0.3 0.273

0.2 0.182 0.182 0.2

0.091 0.1 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 _Option 1 - Reduce traffic flows on congested pOption 2 - Improve the flow of traffic on roads to hOption 3 - Use alternate fuels for buses, public oOption 4 - Reduce traffic by promoting alternate YOption 1 - Maintain existing budgets, focusing on most pressing JOption 2 - Increase budgets, possibly by reducing services in MOption 3 - Close routes that cannot be maintained to focus on links, where air pollution is above defined levels reduce delays, so reducing air pollution from service vehicles etc., where these reduce air modes e.g. walking and cycling and by maintenance issues first. other areas. priority routes idling engines. pollution encouraging car sharing.

Mobility and Access Economy and Freight

1 1 1 0.909 0.9 0.9 0.818 0.818 0.818 0.8 0.8 0.7 Agree 0.7 Agree Disagree Disagree 0.6 0.545 No opinion 0.6 No opinion 0.5 0.455 0.5 0.4 0.364 0.4 0.3 0.273 0.273 0.3 0.182 0.2 0.1818 0.2 0.091 0.1 0.091 0.0909 0.0909 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ÌOption 1 - Dedicate road capacity to freight or Option 2 - Reduce competing pressures on the QOption 3 - Promote the transfer of strategic ÑOption 4 - Look at priority routes for road freight 0 other core economic purposes, possibly by transport network, by promoting other forms of freight movements from road to rail. and improve flow through the key corridors and IOption 1 - Deliver effective designs for new and improved

73 ROADSHOW SUMMARY GRAPHS

Location of Event What are your top 5 Priorities for improving transport in the Falkirk Council area?

16 14.75 14.75 14.75 20 17.29 18 16.67 14 13.11 16 14.38 14 12 11.48 12 9.84 9.38 10 10 8 6.88 Pecentage 6.25 5.83 4.79 8 6 4.17 4 2.50 2.50 1.67 1.67 1.67 1.25 1.25 1.04 0.83 6 4.92 2 0 4 3.28 3.28 3.28 3.28 % of Overall Attendance % of Overall 1.64 1.64

2 Less traffic

0.00 Better signage 0 Airth crossings) More motor bike parking Better road maintenance More Park and Ride sites Denny Falkirk Larbert More off road cycle routes More off road cycle routes More off Bo’ness More on-road cycle routes Polmont public transport Shieldhill Banknock Other Please specify……….. Bike hire/bike library scheme Maddiston Avonbridge Avonbridge Slamannan Better information at bus stops Bonnybridge Grangemouth More car parking in town centres Larbert)_ Better waiting facilities at bus stops Better pedestrian facilities (paths and Stenhousemuir (See More frequent public transport, cheaper walking, cycling and public transport More residential routes with traffic calming More residential routes with traffic Marketing and promotion of the benefits Better information for public transport users

What do you think are the most important issues about general travel about the Falkirk Council area?

14 12.26 11.61 11.94 12

10 9.03 7.74 8 7.42 7.42 7.10 6.45 6.45 6 Pecentage 4.84 4.52 4 1.94 2 1.29

0 Transport Transport Road safety? Information Road centres) Speed etc.) Public Transport Transport Public Access to Public Road Conditions Parking Facilities Cycling Facilities (paths, crossings) Rural Path Network Pedestrian Facilities Public Transport Transport Public Traffic (Congestion / Traffic Other Please specify (shops, libraries, health Access to local facilities Cost of Public Transport Transport Cost of Public reliability/time/frequency Cycle Routes On and Off Cycle Routes On and Off Appendix 4 Appendix

74 What do you think are the most important issues about travelling between Falkirk and other How do we increase levels of walking, cycling and public transport us in the Falkirk Council areas? area? 25 20 18.41 17.41 18 19.49 16 20 17.95 14 12.94 12 15 12.31 10 8.46 10.26 7.46 8.72 8 6.47 6.47 10

Pecentage 7.69 Pecentage 5.47 7.18 6 4.48 4.98 5.13 3.98 3.48 4.10 4 5 3.08 2.56 1.54 2 0 0 Cost of fuel Access to a car Road Conditions services hubs journeys Transport Transport Information on car sharing Access to Public Transport Transport Access to Public Other Please specify………… attractiveness of using the car Public Transport Information Transport Public paths and cycle routes Improvements in street lighting Longer distance cycle routes Other Please specify ……….. cycle storage in key areas Demand management – reduce Wheel “park and pedal” Travel (Take the Right Route) (Take Travel Better links between bus and train (signage / maps online etc.) Marketing of Sustainable and Active Marketing of Sustainable and Cheaper more frequent bus services Incentives for bus and train use – Better, more accessible, secure Better, Links between bus and train services Better network for walking and cycling – (bikes on buses, bikes trains) introductory reduced price or free tickets More information for walkers and cyclists Bikes on buses and trains to allow longer Trip end facilities at stations / transport Trip Bike Hire Scheme – canals, Helix, Falkirk Cost Frequency/ reliability / time of Public Problems with cycling and public transport CONSULTATION SUMMARY CONSULTATION

75 ROADSHOW SUMMARY TABLES

Q1) Location of Event (please tick) Thinking about travelling generally in the Falkirk Thinking about travelling between the Falkirk Q2) Council area, what do you think are the most Q3) Council area and other areas, what do you are 3 Bo’ness 4.918032787 important issues? (Please tick all the boxes you the most important issues? feel are important) 1 Avonbridge 1.639344262 Problems with cycling and public 28 Pedestrian Facilities (paths, 9.032258065 8 transport (bikes on buses, bikes 4.102564103 9 Polmont 14.75409836 crossings) on trains) 9 Bonnybridge 14.75409836 15 Rural Path Network 4.838709677 6 Longer distance cycle routes 3.076923077 8 Larbert 13.1147541 14 Cycle Routes On and Off Road 4.516129032 Trip end facilities at stations / 10 transport hubs 5.128205128 2 Airth 3.278688525 6 Cycling Facilities 1.935483871 Access to local facilities (shops, 14 Access to Public Transport 7.179487179 9 Shieldhill 14.75409836 23 7.419354839 libraries, health centres) 17 Public Transport Information 8.717948718 2 Denny 3.278688525 36 Cost of Public Transport 11.61290323 24 Links between bus and train 12.30769231 2 Grangemouth 3.278688525 Public Transport reliability/time/ services 38 frequency 12.25806452 6 Falkirk 9.836065574 38 Cost Frequency/ reliability / time 19.48717949 23 Access to Public Transport 7.419354839 of Public Transport 7 Slamannan 11.47540984 22 Public Transport Information 7.096774194 3 Access to a car 1.538461538 Stenhousemuir (See Larbert)_ 0 20 Traffic (Congestion/Speed etc.) 6.451612903 5 Information on car sharing 2.564102564 2 Banknock 3.278688525 20 Parking Facilities 6.451612903 20 Road Conditions 10.25641026 1 Maddiston 1.639344262 37 Road Conditions 11.93548387 35 Cost of fuel 17.94871795 61 Total 100 24 Road safety? 7.741935484 15 Other Please specify ……….. 7.692307692 4 Other Please specify 1.290322581 195 100 310 Total 100 Appendix 4 Appendix

76 Thinking about how to increase levels of Q4 What are your top 5 priorities for improving 69 Better road maintenance 14.375 travel around the Falkirk Council area?* Q5 walking, cycling and public transport use, what 80 Better information at bus stops 16.66666667 do you feel are the main areas Falkirk Council Better pedestrian facilities (paths should focus on? 12 and crossings) 2.5 33 More car parking in town centres 6.875 Better network for walking and Marketing and promotion of the 15 cycling – paths and cycle routes 7.462686567 6 benefits of walking, cycling and 1.25 28 Other Please specify……….. 5.833333333 17 Improvements in street lighting 8.457711443 public transport 480 100 8 More off road cycle routes 1.666666667 More information for walkers and 13 cyclists (signage / maps online etc.) 6.467661692 8 More off road cycle routes 1.666666667 9 Marketing of Sustainable and Active 4.47761194 6 More on-road cycle routes 1.25 Travel (Take the Right Route) Bikes on buses and trains to allow 8 Better signage 1.666666667 8 longer journeys 3.980099502 5 Bike hire/bike library scheme 1.041666667 Better, more accessible, more 10 secure cycle storage in key areas 4.975124378 Better information for public 45 transport users 9.375 Bike Hire Scheme – canals, Helix, 11 Falkirk Wheel “park and pedal” 5.472636816 83 More frequent public transport, 17.29166667 Incentives for bus and train use – cheaper public transport 26 introductory reduced price or 12.93532338 Better waiting facilities at bus free tickets 23 stops 4.791666667 Cheaper more frequent bus 35 services 17.41293532 20 Less traffic 4.166666667 37 Better links between bus and 18.4079602 More residential routes with train services 12 traffic calming 2.5 13 Demand management – reduce 6.467661692 30 More Park and Ride sites 6.25 attractiveness of using the car 7 Other Please specify………… 3.482587065 4 More motor bike parking 0.833333333 201 100 CONSULTATION SUMMARY CONSULTATION

77 Please add any further information you feel Bonnybridge Cycle routes should flow to allow cycling to be a would assist in the development of Falkirk viable alternative means of transport Council’s new Local Transport Strategy Roads and footways in Bonnybridge in urgent need of repairs. Larbert and Stenhousemuir Airth Shuttle bus from Park and Ride to Falkirk High Travel plans should be realistic and practical Station. Making public transport cheaper to encourage more Mini roundabout Carronvale Road / Main Street use of and leave their cars at home. On-street car parking affecting turning put of co-op junction. car park. Lack of cycle storage Bus services Cost of public transport Improve bus service frequency to railway stations. Falkirk Cheaper bus fares Banknock Maddiston Encourage use of public transport. Reduce fares on Falkirk bus stop and shelter at Longcroft monument More free parking is not fit for purpose, want shelter replaced with buses and trains. Improve footpaths and cycle ways. more modern shelter. Public transport journey times are ridiculous as Increase reliability and frequency of buses Polmont Pedestrian refuge islands in Longcroft to help with routes have been combined making them pedestrians crossing the A803 at the Masonic Arms unattractive. Cycling in and around the town centre and Station Brae. (Will be addressed as part of the dangerous. Mixed use pavements on Camelon Road Encourage more use of public transport. Dennyloanhead planning application). etc.. Potholes and road conditions poor for cyclists. Current cost of using public transport too expensive. Focus cycling strategy on commuters not leisure. Bus Junction of the Mayfield Drive and the A803. travel too expensive. Poor quality of bus service in the Gilston area. Is the weight restriction 7.5t on Station Brae? More use of powered two-wheelers, allow Parking issues at Polmont Railway Station Poor bus frequency motorcycles to use bus lanes. Bus shelter improvements Lweis Road / Miller Park Bo'ness Road design in are is poor and has caused congestion Speed limits through Polmont Footpath/cyclepath link Carriden Brae to Champany Grangemouth Increased traffic through Muirhouses as a result of the Cross boundary issues for walkers, cyclists, and car bus washing facility at bottom of Carriden Brae. users. Will establish gaps in public transport infrastructure and service delivery especially in rural Hazardous parking on Linlithgow Road at the Co-op areas. leading to congestion & road safety issues. Buses should be run like taxis but with set Inconsiderate cyclists. destination, pre-booking, fleet of minibuses could

Appendix 4 Appendix adapt to demand. Need more small buses.

78 Shieldhill Disabled access and parking Poor bus services Lack of winter gritting and ploughing. Footpath links from Shieldhill to Falkirk via greenbelt and Callendar Estate. Better links to the motorway network Create transport nodes for multi-modal uses and users. Streetlighting upgrade Poor bus links to railway stations Costs of bus fares Bus shelters need replacing. Review of one-way system in Falkirk town centre Better signage to ease congestion Slamannan Improve links between all outlying villages and Falkirk as well as Caldercruix to allow use of train services. Cost of public transport too high. Bus service frequency. CONSULTATION SUMMARY CONSULTATION

79 A NE FOR A' March 2014 March