NESTRANS

The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire Contents

> Foreword 1 01 Introduction 3 02 Process of Developing the RTS 7 03 Links to Other Plans and Strategies 11 04 Context 17 05 Issues 29 06 Vision and Objectives 37 07 Option Generation and Appraisal 43 08 The Preferred Package 49 09 Next Steps 89 10 Monitoring and Review 97 11 Glossary 99 12 Supporting Documentation 101

APPENDIX Links to the Local Objectives (Aberdeen City and Shire’s Community Plans) and National Outcomes 103

Nestrans The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire In association with Steer Davies Gleave it hasbeenrevisedand updated butits guidance fromtheScottishGovernment, projects andactionplans.Following forward itsthemesthroughaseriesof Since thenwehavebeenbusytaking 2007, followingextensiveconsultation. This strategywasoriginallyproducedin Shire. and ourqualityoflifein Aberdeen Cityand accessibility andprotectstheenvironment continued economicgrowth,improves to provideatransportsystemthatensures needs tohappenovertheperiod2021 key markets. This strategy setsoutwhat geography, rapidgrowthanddistancefrom faces majortransportchallengesduetoits Europe withanenviablequalityoflife,but most economicallyproductiveregionsin Aberdeen CityandShireisoneofthe sustainable economicgrowthhappen. have amajorroletoplayinmakingthis Nestrans andourlocalauthoritypartners and Shire’sEconomicManifesto. joint StructurePlanandthe Aberdeen City plans throughthedevelopmentofanew is beingembeddedintoourdevelopment economic growth”.Inthenortheastthis to flourish,throughincreasingsustainable country, withopportunitiesforallofScotland its purpose:“tocreateamoresuccessful The ScottishGovernmenthasmadeclear foreword Delivery Plan laterthisyear. high levelandwillbefollowed byadetailed ahead to2021,thisstrategy isessentially In keepingwithadocument thatlooks objectives anddirection have notchanged. government anddeliveryofthisstrategywill in theConcordatbetweenlocalandcentral key roleinachievingthenationaloutcomes Agreements forourarea. Transport playsa on thedevelopmentofSingleOutcome Aberdeen Cityand Aberdeenshire Councils We arealsoworkingcloselywithboth the northeastandScotland asawhole. foundation toworktogether tothebenefitof proposals andthisprovides uswithastrong high levelofsupportfor our objectivesand consultation weundertookdemonstrateda as wellGovernmentsupport. The and theprivatevoluntarysectors, working betweenNestrans,localauthorities strategy. Deliveringitwill requirejoint contributed tothedevelopmentofthis We aregratefultoallthosewhohave part. everybody inthenortheasttoplaytheir reducing carbonemissions,itisupto and economiccompetitiveness,while balance betweenimprovingouraccessibility targets itproposes.Ifwearetostrikea tackling climatechangeandthechallenging priority thisGovernmenthasattachedto environment. We recogniseandsupportthe our travelchoicesoneachotherandthe responsibility toconsidertheimpactof connectivity, butalsothatweallhavea It recognisestheimportanceofimproved This strategyisambitiousbutalsorealistic. local, regionalandnationallevel. contribute toachievingtheseoutcomesata Councillor KevinStewart Chair ofNestrans

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The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire and Aberdeenshire Councils. prepared foragreementwith Aberdeen City in thisdocument,aDeliveryPlanwillbe completion ofthe Action Plans described with thislatestguidance.Following document. This April 2008versioncomplies document itselfasahighlevelstrategic a separateDeliveryPlanleavingtheRTS Strategies, separatinginterventionsinto further adviceonthecontentof by thenewGovernment,Ministersissued election inMay2007andconsideration Ministers inMarch2007.Followingthe The strategywasoriginallysubmittedto 2007 and2021. improving transportintheregionbetween the northeastandsetsclearobjectivesfor problems andissuesaffecting transportin It includesacomprehensiveappraisalofthe how wewilladdressthem. and Shireoverthenextfifteenyears out thechallengesf This RegonalransportStrategy (RTS)sets Introduction the RTS meetstheprinciples ofnotonly in itseconomic strategyandensure that the newGovernmentsstated purpose the objectivestocheckconsistency with provided theopportunity tore-assess This updateoftheStrategy hasalso acing AberdeenCity and enables peopletoaccessretail and services. Italso helpsconnectcommunities jobs, healthcare,education andotherpublic quality oflife. Transport connectspeopleto sustainable economicgrowth andahigh the widerworldisessential toachieving Shire totherestofScotland, theUKand The accessibilityof Aberdeen Cityand coasts. Park totheNorthSeaandBanffshire stretching fromtheCairngormsNational regional townsandavariedruralarea, Aberdeen iscomplementedbyimportant to around438,000people. The Cityof of theScottishandUKeconomyhome Aberdeen CityandShireisamajordriver with theScottishGovernment. City and Aberdeenshire Councilsagreed Single Outcome Agreements that Aberdeen been usedtoadvisethedevelopmentof national objectives. This strategyhasalso the RTS contributestotheselocaland national objectives. Appendix A showshow contributes tomeetingtheGovernment’s the regionsCommunityPlansbutalso 01

p leisure facilities, meet with friends and and Local Plans, the regional economic family, promoting social inclusion across manifesto developed by Aberdeen City the region. The RTS has a key role to play and Shire Economic Forum (ACSEF), in shaping the future of Aberdeen City and Community Plans and other major policy Shire and contributing to the achievement documents. It is in line with the national of wider economic and social goals for the purpose and national objectives as set region. out by the new Government’s Economic Strategy, takes account of the principles set In developing the draft regional transport out in the Climate Change Bill, supports the strategy, Nestrans was not starting from national objectives and policies set out in a blank sheet of paper. As a voluntary the 2004 White Paper, Scotland’s Transport transport partnership, we developed the Future, and has been influenced by the Modern Transport System (MTS) – a 14 National Transport Strategy (NTS), which strand integrated strategy for improving was published by the Scottish Executive, transport in the region up to 2011 – which following a period of consultation. was endorsed by the Scottish Executive in 2003. The MTS has been taken as a Transport is a subject which is fundamental starting point for the RTS and is integrated to our daily lives, our economic future and into the package of measures it contains. the quality of our environment. The RTS covers a 15-year period from 2007 to 2021, As a voluntary transport partnership, which is likely to be a time of major change. Nestrans worked in partnership with others The strategy has a role in both leading and to take forward the priorities in the Modern responding to economic and social changes Transport System. This included securing over this period, while seeking to limit the Scottish Executive commitment to build and impact that transport has on the local and fund jointly with the Councils, the Aberdeen global environment. There are some major Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), issues to be tackled and difficult choices progressing detailed appraisal work for to be made. We consulted widely on the Aberdeen Crossrail, securing Scottish draft strategy and have revised the final Executive commitment to dualling the A90 version where appropriate to take account between Balmedie and Tipperty, working of consultation responses. The next section with Aberdeenshire Council on the Northern provides more detail on the process we Maritime Corridor project and working have followed. with the Scottish Executive and Aberdeen City Council to identify solutions to the The RTS sets out the context, issues and problems at the Haudagain roundabout in challenges which have helped determine Aberdeen. We have worked through the our objectives. It then goes on to detail Airport Business Development Forum and the process of generating and appraising supported Aberdeen Airport in developing options for achieving these objectives and new air routes and have developed sets out the preferred strategy resulting partnership working with the freight and from this appraisal and prioritisation. The maritime sectors. document proposes creating a series of Action Plans that will detail deliverable The RTS has been developed in projects to meet the strategy objectives. accordance with the requirements of the These Actions plans will be brought together Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 and Scottish into a prioritized and costed Delivery Plan Government guidance. It has also been that will be agreed with our partner Local influenced by the local transport strategies Authorities and other funding partners. produced by the local authorities, Structure Chamber ofCommerce. Councils, ScottishEnterpriseGrampian andAberdeenGrampian a voluntarypartnershipbetweenAberdeen CityandAberdeenshire The newPartnershipbuildsonfiveyearsofNestransoperatingas of theCouncils.ItsChairisCouncillorKevinStewart. by theMinisterforT and AberdeenshireCouncils,fournon-councillormembersappointed Its BoardismadeupoffourCouncillorsfromeachAberdeenCity Nestrans’ areacoversboththeCityofAberdeenandberdeenshire. Scotland. 2006. ItisoneofsevenstatutoryT the T Constituted astheNorthEastofScotlandT life acrossAberdeenCityandShire. that supportandimprovetheeconomy, environmentandqualityof transport strategyandtakeforwardstrategicimprovements Scotland. Ourpurposeistodevelopanddeliveralong-termregional Nestrans istheRegionalT Nestrans ransport (Scotland)Act2005,Nestransbeganworkon1pril ransport andtwoprofessionaladvisersfromeach ransport Partnershipforthenortheastof ransport Partnershipssetupacross ransport Partnershipunder

pp The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire were takenintoaccount. ensure stakeholders’viewsandcomments consultation priortobeingfinalised Each ofthesepaperswascirculatedfor Report andtheOptionGenerationReport. development oftheIssuesandObjectives Forum (NETCF)formedakeyinputtothe with theNorthEast Transport Consultative of strategydevelopment.Consultation appropriate keystakeholdersateachstage by aprocessofengagementwiththe The RTS developmenthasbeenreflected decisions. consultation helpingtheBoardtoreach stage oftheprocesswithoutcomes has usedtheconsultationtoinformeach set outinChapter13ofSTAG. Nestrans guidance onParticipationandConsultation fashion asdescribedinSTAG, followingthe has beendevelopedinanobjective-led a keyelementthroughout. The strategy stakeholders andwithconsultationforming has developedthestrategybyinvolving In linewiththeseguidelines,Nestrans Scottish TransportApprasalGudance(STAG). Strategies ssuednMarch2006aswell Executive GudaneforRegonalTransport based onprinciplesoutlnedtheScottsh The processofdevelopingthedratRTShasbeen Developing theRTS Process of with theNETCF andthisformedakey Assessment (SEA),there wasdialogue draft RTS andStrategicEnvironmental Throughout theprocess ofdevelopingthe strategy. a separatesupportingdocument tothis the strategy, hasbeenproducedandforms of responsesandhowtheyhaveinfluenced processes ofinvolvementandasummary A fullConsultation Report,outliningthe documents tomeetingsandworkshops. formal consultationthroughdistributionof community. Methodsusedrangedfrom inclusion rateforstakeholdersacrossthe methods toenablethehighestpossible the importanceofusingawiderange and theRTS Guidancewhichemphasises compliance withthosesuggestedinSTAG Report. The methodsutilisedwerein contained withinaseparateConsultation have helpedtoshapethisstrategyare Consultation processandhowcomments views ofthewidercommunity. Detailsofthe formal consultationexercisetogatherthe This involvementwascomplementedbya key inputintothedevelopmentofRTS. sectors inthenortheast,andtheyhada drawn fromthepublic,privateandvoluntary This forumismadeupofstakeholders aspect oftheconsultationmethodology. 02

p Figure 2.1 outlines the process of developing the RTS, highlighting how key papers and the strategy itself have been fed in to by the results of the consultation programme.

Figure 2.1 Process for Development of the RTS

Strategy Development Consultation

Analysis of travel patterns, current transport Stakeholder Interviews problems, issues and opportunities

Production of draft issues and objectives Issued for consultation to NETCF in July report (including draft vision and objectives) 2006 (four weeks consultation period)

Finalisation of Issues and Objectives Report (incorporating comments from consultation)

Option Generation exercise leading to draft Issued for consultation to NETCF in options paper September 2006 (four weeks consultation period including workshop on 21st September 2006) Identification of optimum package of measures and activities (incorporating comments from consultation)

Preparation of draft RTS Issued for eight week consultation period along with environmental report; 13 December 2006 - 7 February 2007 (included NETCF workshop on 22 January 2007) RTS finalised during February 2007 (incorporating comments from consultation)

Approval of Finalised RTS by Board 14 Further guidance issued January 2008 March 2007

RTS re-submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval April 2008

Approval July 2008 strategy. of anumberprojectsidentifiedwithinthe and policydocumentsthecompletion new Governmentpriorities,strategic 2008 andevents,includingtheelection, guidance fromMinistersreceivedinJanuary been updatedtotakeaccountoffurther submitted toMinistersinMarch2007has Finalised Strategy. This FinalisedStrategy, consultation andhasnowevolvedintothe of thedraftRTS whichwas thesubjectof objectives. This ledontothedevelopment that onbalancebestmeetsthestrategy’s of measuresandactivitieswasidentified and prioritisation,anoptimumpackage Following aprocessofsifting,appraisal strategy’s objectivescouldbedetermined. that theirrelativemeritsinmeetingthe were placedintoalternativepackagesso or moreofthestrategy’sobjectives. These activities that had the potential to satisfy one a broadrangeofinitialmeasuresand The optiongenerationexerciseidentified month period. consultation withstakeholdersoveraone report whichwasdistributedinJuly2006for production ofanissuesandobjectives The draftvisionandobjectivesfedinto supporting objectivesforthedraftRTS. was thedevelopmentofadraftvisionand April andMay2006,theoutputfromthis east. These wereconductedthroughout both privateandpublicsectorsinthenorth to-face interviewswithkeystakeholdersin carrying outawiderangeofin-depthface- problems, issuesandopportunitiesinvolved Analysis ofcurrenttransportpatterns, Along withtheconsultationon Environmental Assessment Tool Kit. with theScottishExecutiveStrategic The SEA wascarriedoutinaccordance accordingly involvethewholecommunity. and environmentalconsiderationsshould environmental effects arewide-reaching achieve progressacrosseachobjective, challenge oftheRTS hasbeento in projectdesignandappraisal. A key and policiesisthereforefundamental environmental effects oftransportschemes which STAG isbased.Considerationofthe one ofthefivekeyobjectiveareason with theRTS. Environmentconstitutes 2.1, aSEA wasdevelopedinconjunction Alongside theprocessesoutlinedinFigure Action Plan. development oftheHealth and Transport has beenundertakenas partofthe principles ofEqualityImpact Assessment, Impact Assessment, incorporatingthe to directthestrategydevelopment. A Health on thestakeholderForumwhichhashelped considerations andrepresentativesincluded mobility impairmentshavebeenincludedin needs ofminoritygroupsandpeoplewith process ofdevelopingthestrategy. The have beenconsideredthroughoutthe Government Guidance,equalityissues In accordancewiththeScottish SEA. substantial enoughtowarrantre-visitingthe and updatetotheRTS isnotofitself Executive alongwiththisRTS. This revision key pointswassubmittedtotheScottish consultees andconsiderationoftheir SEA includingtheresponsesfromGateway into thefinal RTS andafinalversionofthe been takenonboardandamalgamated website. Commentsandsuggestionshave available tothepublicthroughNestrans through theSEA Gatewayandwasmade consultation withstatutoryconsultees draft RTS, theSEA wasalsosubjectto

p The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire outcomes, whichhavebeen agreedinthe strategic objectivesandfifteennational growth. This purposeissupportedbyfive is toincreasesustainableeconomic that theGovernment’soverridingpurpose published inNovember2007,madeclear The Government’sEconomicStrategy, performance raework strategy and national The governmenteconomic of theregionaltransportstrategy. an integratedapproachtothedevelopment differ, itisimportanttoensurethatthere horizons oftheseplansandstrategiesmay regional andlocallevel.Whiletheplanning plans andstrategies,whichexistatnational, has beendevelopedinthecontextofother the deliveryofpublicservices. The RTS the mainpublicsectorbodiestoco-ordinate community planning,whichbringstogether body, Nestranshasadutytoparticipatein wider regionalobjectivesandasastatutory Transport canplayakeyroleinsupporting health andsocialinclusonthe northeast. transport andtheeconomy, environment, The RTSrecognisesthelnkagesbetween and Strategies Links tootherPlans the workoflocal governmentthrough Single more detailin chapter6. This willunderpin sector inScotland. These aresetoutin performance framework forallofthepublic Government andformthe basisforanew Concordat betweenCosla andtheScottish economic objectives ofthestrategy. the strategybuildonthese andmeetthe The measuresandactivities containedin region’s connectivityand competitiveness. formation contributetoimproving the has promotedandsupported sinceits infrastructure projectsthatNestrans Aberdeen CityandShire. The key Energy”, theeconomicmanifestofor objectives, identifiedin“Buildingon positively towardstheregionaleconomic The RTS objectivesreflectandcontribute organisations. close linkswith ACSEF and its member economic growthandNestransmaintains a keyingredientofdeliveringsustainable economic developmentstrategyasbeing Transport isidentifiedwithintheregional co-ordinate economicdevelopmentactivity. sector bodiesinthenortheasttoplanand brings togetherkeypublicandprivate Shire EconomicForum(ACSEF),which partnership withthe Aberdeen Cityand Strategy andNestranswillworkin delivering theGovernment’sEconomic There isanimportantrolefortheRTS in Scottish Ministers. agreed betweenlocalauthoritiesandthe Outcome Agreements, whicharetobe 03

p11 Plan was published on 2 April 2008. This provisional draft is a consultation with the Local Authorities with a draft Plan issued in May 2008 for wider consultation until July 2008. The Nestrans Board considered the new Plan fully at its 18 June 2008 Board meeting.

The provisional draft Plan, covering the period to 2030 beyond the RTS 2021 horizon, has been drafted taking into account the RTS and has a central core of reducing the need for travel which is fully in line with the RTS. The Plan envisages the bulk of development along the main transport corridor in the area, the Laurencekirk to Aberdeen to Huntly corridor with 50% of proposed development Land Use Planning taking place in Aberdeen City assisting the “reduced need for travel” philosophy. There is a clear linkage between transport strategies and land-use planning. National The Plan also permits development along planning guidance, SPP17 Planning the Aberdeen to Peterhead corridor, and Transport, provides a clear direction primarily in its later years, encompassing for planning authorities on the need for the Energetica proposals arising from development that reduces the need to travel the ACSEF Economic Manifesto. These and promotes the use of sustainable modes proposals are in the early process of of transport. Nestrans works closely with development but are being taken forward in senior officers responsible for planning in a manner to ensure that there is a linkage both local authorities and the Aberdeen City between the Energetica proposal, the and Shire Strategic Planning Committee Structure Plan and the Regional Transport provides a forum for the two Councils Strategy. The Energetica proposal will to co-ordinate planning and transport. impact on the Regional Transport Strategy The Structure Plan for Aberdeen City and Nestrans will work with the Structure and Aberdeenshire, North East Scotland Plan team and ACSEF as the proposal Together, sets out strategic land-use policy becomes more refined to ensure that the for the period 2001 to 2016 and includes transport impacts and requirements are an provision for key aspects of the existing integral part of the development process. MTS, including the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Aberdeen Crossrail and Local plans provide more detailed expansion of park and ride. policy and allocation of land-use within Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City. The The Structure Plan is being reviewed and Aberdeenshire Local Plan was adopted in an Issues Paper has been produced for June 2006, covering the period up to 2015, public consultation. Nestrans has been while the new Aberdeen City Local Plan has involved in the development of the new plan been the subject of a Public Local Inquiry through the stakeholder consultations and and amendments are being consulted on in briefing meetings with the Structure Plan prior to adoption by the Council. team. A provisional draft of the Structure particularly withregardtohealth,social partners toachievecommongoals, and willworkwithitsCommunityPlanning contribute towidercommunityobjectives seek toensurethatitstransportobjectives Through CommunityPlanning,Nestranswill frameworks inbothlocalauthorityareas. this feedsintotheCommunityPlanning Consultative Forumandensurethat to co-ordinatetheNorthEast Transport Aberdeenshire. Nestranswillalsocontinue Partnerships inboth Aberdeen and formally joinedtheCommunityPlanning in CommunityPlanningandhas visions. Nestranshasadutytoparticipate transport inachievingtheirrespective and Aberdeen Cityrecognisetheroleof sector partnersforboth Aberdeenshire by thelocalauthoritiesandtheirpublic level. The CommunityPlansdeveloped and implementationofplansatalocal context andprocessforthedevelopment Community Planningprovidesastrategic Community Plannng inclusion andeconomic development. developments. the northeasttoberecognisedasnational continue topressforstrategicschemesin priorities withinthenortheast.Nestranswill do notincludeanyofthekeystrategic Developments havebeenidentified,these later in2008. Although anumber ofNational January 2008andafinalversionwillfollow new legislation,waspublishedindraft Framework, NPF2,producedunderthe Newcastle. A revisedNationalPlanning transport corridorbetween Aberdeen and highlights thekeyroleofeastcoast planning system. The currentdocument for theNationalPlanningFrameworkin (Scotland) Act 2006enshrinesaformalrole land usedevelopment. The Planningetc provides high-levelguidanceonfuture Scotland’s nationalspatialstrategyand The NationalPlanningFrameworkis (NPF2) National PlannngFramework

p13 Considerations for a Climate Change Bill are currently being consulted upon, with a view identifying actions to create a long-term framework for the current and successive administrations in Scotland to ensure that emissions are reduced to achieve the above target.

The Scottish Executive expects that public sector bodies across Scotland will play their part in helping to achieve this target and encourage action by others. The importance of reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions has been underlined by the Stern Review into the Economics of Climate Change, which highlights both the dangers to the planet of global warming, but also the economic Sustainable Development and costs that will arise through failure to act Climate Change strategies (Climate now. The evidence base on the threat of Change Bill) climate change has also been enhanced by the recent publication of a report by the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate The Scottish Executive’s strategy for Change. sustainable development is set out in Changing our Ways, which is intended to National Transport Strategy place sustainable development principles at the heart of decision-making. It provides national policy guidance to local authorities The then Scottish Executive published and other bodies on adopting these Scotland’s first National Transport Strategy principles in their plans and activities. (NTS) in December 2006. This followed a Changing our Ways sets the context for commitment in the 2004 Transport White Scotland’s Climate Change programme, Paper and extensive public consultation which links to the UK Government’s over the past year, to which Nestrans and programme. This sets out Scotland’s partners in the region have responded. contribution to meeting the UK Government’s commitments on carbon The NTS’s national objectives for reduction (the ‘Scottish Share’) and transport have been supported by the new establishes a Scottish Target which seeks Government. The NTS sets out how it to go beyond achieving the Scottish Share proposes to achieve these over the period to make a larger contribution to tackling to 2025. In so doing, the NTS establishes climate change. The Scottish Government three strategic outcomes for the NTS to has committed to reducing emissions by deliver, to: 80% by 2050. • Improve journey times and connections • Reduce emissions • Improve quality, accessibility and affordability Scottish Governmentto develop Local Local authoritiesareexpectedbythe Local TransportStrateg ies in deliveringimprovements. that regionaltransportpartnershipswillplay sectors oftransportandpointtotherole the Government’spoliciestowardsthese These providemorespecificguidanceon Scotland’s railways,busesandfreight. more detailedactionplansfocusingon The NTSisalsoaccompaniedbythree be publishedlaterin2008. decade beyond2012. This reviewisdueto determine expenditureontransportinthe forward by Transport Scotlandandwill Projects Reviewwhichisbeingtaken the contextforStrategic Transport these outcomes.Inparticulartheywillset operators willbekeypartnersinachieving partnerships, localauthoritiesandtransport decision-making andthatregionaltransport strategic outcomeswillinformtransport The NTSmakesclearthatthesethree 2000 andsubmitted jointlytothethen and Aberdeen City CouncilsinDecember were producedbyboth Aberdeenshire The firstroundofLocal Transport Strategies although thisisnotastatutory requirement. Transport Strategies (LTS) fortheirareas, RTS. important inputtothedevelopmentof respective consultationexercisesforman and informationgatheredthroughtheir consultation. The Local Transport Strategies in March2008againfollowingpublic City Councilapproveditsfinalisedstrategy following publicconsultation. Aberdeen published itsfinal LTS inMarch2007, year periods. Aberdeenshire Council 2005, whichareintendedtocoverthree- Local Transport StrategiesinFebruary guidance onthesecondroundofrevised System. The ScottishExecutiveissued the basisforModern Transport Scottish Executive. Together theyformed to itsfacilities. working toensuregoodtransportprovision Aberdeen CityandShirealsocallsforclose a regionalcentrebeyondtheboundariesof Aberdeen’s Foresterhillhospitalcomplexas between Aberdeen andLerwick. The roleof rail corridorsandtheferryconnections common issuessuchasstrategicroadand particularly keentoworktogetheron regional transportpartnershipsandis close connectionswithitsneighbouring Transport Partnership.Nestransmaintains Islands coveredbyZetTrans, theShetland a maritimeconnectionwiththeShetland Kinross andStirlingarea. There isalso covering the Angus, Dundee,Perthand the HighlandsandIslands Tactran transport partnerships:HITRANSfor those producedbytwootherregional transport strategyhaslandborderswith The areacoveredbythisregional Strategies Links tootherRegionalTransport

p15 The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire Moray) outperformingScotland asawhole Aberdeenshire andtheneighbouringareaof Grampian area(thatis Aberdeen City, to theScottisheconomywithwider The regionmakesastrongcontribution growth. will besignificantfactorsinpopulation performance andinwardmigration,which forecasts willbedependentoneconomic person households. The currentpopulation region, withasignificantincreaseinsingle are expectedtoincreaseby15%acrossthe the period2006-2021,householdnumbers by 6.2%in Aberdeenshire to250,000.Over is expectedtoriseby5.7%214,000and 464,000 by2021. The populationintheCity project anincreaseinpopulationbetweento slightly higherlevelsofpopulation,and produced bythetwolocalauthoritiesshow The 2006-2031StrategicForecasts Aberdeenshire. 202,370 inAberdeenCtyand235,440peole Register OfficeforScotland.Thscomprsed estimated tobe437,810in2005bytheGeneral The poulation ofAberdeenCtyandShrewas Aberdeen City&Shre Context performance) perhead25%abovenational Value Added (GVA -ameasure of economic has rankedthirdintheUK with2004Gross number ofyears.Inrecent years,theregion in termsofeconomicperformance overa (in 2005,thenationalaverage was2.8%). lower thattheScottishaverage since1996 (2005). These rateshavebeenconsistently Aberdeenshire hasarateofjust1.1% an averagerateof1.7%(2005),whereas region arerelativelylow. Aberdeen Cityhas market. Unemploymentrateswithinthe dominant playerintheregionallabour for onlysome15%ofemploymentisa related sector, whichdespite accounting this reflectsearningsintheoilandgas being 10%belowtheGBaverage. Again higher thanGBin2004,despiteScotland average earningsinthenortheastwere3% Scottish ExecutiveStatisticsshowthat for ScotlandandGreatBritainasawhole. enjoys highermaleaverageearningsthan Evidence onearningsshowsthattheregion and gassector. and thelevelofwealthgeneratedbyoil average, reflectingtheeconomicstructure

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p17 However, there are areas within Aberdeen showing that 59% of Aberdeen residents City and Aberdeenshire where incomes are and 70% of Aberdeenshire residents drove low and unemployment is high, and which to work in 2005/06. are ranked among the 5% most deprived areas in Scotland, according to the Scottish The Department for Environment, Food Index of Multiple Deprivation. These include and Rural Affairs (Defra) produce statistics areas within the Woodside, Tillydrone, of carbon dioxide emissions for local Middlefield, Cummings Park, Torry and authority areas. The results estimated that Seaton neighbourhoods in Aberdeen, in 2004, around a million tonnes of carbon which are the focus of regeneration dioxide was emitted from road transport masterplans as well as parts of Peterhead in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, which and Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire, which equates to a slightly lower per capita level are covered by the Building Buchan - New than the national average and represents Beginnings initiative. about 8% of the total for Scotland.

The way land use and the economy In terms of safety, casualty numbers in road have developed has led to housing traffic accidents have been falling - the and employment locations being widely number of casualties (all severities) dropped dispersed. More than half of the region’s by 33.4% between 1994/98 and 2001/05 in population (56%) lives outside the City and Aberdeen and by 18.6% in Aberdeenshire. employment density averaged across the This is against a backdrop of increasing north east is very low. High income levels, traffic within the region, but the authorities rural living, employment sites away from aspire to seeing greater reductions in the transport nodes and other factors combine numbers of casualties from 2005 levels of to generate high levels of car ownership and 43 fatalities, 226 serious and 1,079 slight car use with Scottish Household Statistics injuries. Figure 4.1:ExstngSituation Fig 4.1. the regionbothinternallyandexternallytorestofUKbeyond. The northeasthasanextensivetransportnetworkwithair, sea,andlandlinksthatconnect Transport Network City andShreToday Transport inAberdeen This isillustratedin

p19 Road Network

The main trunk road linking the north east between Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen, to central Scotland and the rest of the UK is including services which call at Aberdeen the A90, which links the region to Dundee, Airport, Ellon Park and Ride and two Perth, Edinburgh, Glasgow (via A9 and routes which extend through to Inverness. M80/A80), and beyond. The other major There are important inter-city coach links trunk road serving the region is the A96, between the major centres and linking the which connects the north east to Inverness region to other centres in Scotland and and the Highlands. There are 132 miles beyond. Many local bus services within (211 kilometres) of trunk roads in the north Aberdeenshire operate under contract east, representing 3% of road length but with financial support from Aberdeenshire carrying 28% of all traffic. In addition the Council. Through a Quality Partnership A92, A93, A98, A952, A944 and A947 involving the local authorities and the roads also cater for strategic and regional two major operators, which Nestrans has movements within the north east. There are recently joined, bus priority measures have 470 miles (745 kilometres) of A class local been introduced and bus shelter facilities roads in the area which carry 27% of all have been upgraded to enhance the overall traffic. The remaining 45% of traffic uses the bus network, in conjunction with enhanced region’s 4,000 miles (5,500 kilometres) of vehicles and investment. minor roads. At present, the north east is served by Currently the A90 goes through Aberdeen three bus-based park and ride sites, one and acts as a local distributor as well as located at Bridge of Don next to the AECC the main strategic route connecting the (600 spaces), another at Kingswells on the north and west of the region. This leads A944 (950 spaces) and a site at Ellon (250 to significant congestion and slow and spaces). All three facilities operate between unreliable journey times across the city. 10 and 15 minute frequency services into These problems are being addressed by and out of Aberdeen City Centre. Rail the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, park and ride facilities are also provided at which is scheduled to open in 2011, and Stonehaven and Inverurie railway stations. will substantially improve cross-City travel enabling better access to key industrial and National Cycle Network Route 1 runs business locations and to the airport as well through the north east, which links as contributing to other objectives. Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Turriff and Banff, and forms part of the North Sea Cycle The north east is served by several bus Circuit. Former railway lines have also been operators, but the majority of commercial utilised in the creation of the Formartine and services are operated by either First Buchan Way and the Deeside Way cycle Aberdeen or Stagecoach Bluebird. First routes. In addition to these, a number of on- Aberdeen provides a network of services street cycling facilities have been introduced in Aberdeen City, including dedicated across the north east. Park and Ride services and a service to Aberdeen Airport. Stagecoach Bluebird provides the majority of inter-urban services from LondonviatheEast CoastMainLine, National Expressservicesperdaytoand and fromPenzancetherearethree Cross Countryprovideservicesdirectto 42 servicesperdaytoorfromtheregion, Stonehaven. FirstScotRailprovidesome Inverurie, Dyce, Aberdeen, Portlethen and there aresevenstations-atHuntly, Insch, increasing well-used.Withinthenortheast services islimited,althoughtheseare services. The frequencyofcommuter journey timesandalackofregularhourly are constrained,makingforextended there arenumerousplaceswherespeeds parts ofthenetworkaresingletrackand Edinburgh andGlasgow(trainseveryhour), Inverness (trainseverytwohours)andto relatively limited.Whiletherearelinksto The railnetworkinthenortheastis Rail Network Sleeper service. in additiontotheovernight Caledonian white-fish portwithover£70millionworthof Peterhead HarbouristheUK’sleading Kirkwall fourtimesperweek). overnight sailingtoLerwick(whichcallsat passengers. Northlinkoperatesadaily bus servicesisanimportantissueforfoot and passengerinterchangewithrail and freightferriestoOrkneyShetland, Aberdeen isalsotheportforpassenger million peryearintothelocaleconomy. cargo in2006andinputsanestimated£100 Harbour handledoverfivemilliontonnesof sea portswithinthenortheast. Aberdeen Aberdeen andPeterheadaretheprincipal Maritime economy. gas industry, which isakeysectorofthe the majorityserving off-shore oiland 35,000 helicoptermovementseveryyear, the world’sbusiestheliport,handlingover do sobycarortaxi. The airportisalso those travellingto/fromtheairportcurrently of surfaceconnections,over90%all serves awideareaanddespiterange growth ofallScottishairports. The airport has experiencedthefastestpassenger have beenintroducedand Aberdeen Airport last twotothreeyears,manynewroutes around 38different destinations.Overthe million passengersperyearandserves centre, Aberdeen Airport handlesover3 Situated sevenmilesnorth-westofthecity Airport Maritime CorridorsProject. through theEuropeanUnion’sNorthern opportunities havebeenexamined,notably In recentyears,furthermaritime Fraserburgh andMacduff. in theregion,largestofwhichare year. A numberofsmallerportsoperate white fishbeinglandedatPeterheadeach

p21 Aberdeen’s level of car ownership is 24% greater than the average of Scotland’s large urban areas; aberdeenshire higher than comparable rural areas

Transport Use

Settlements within the north east are Car use is high in the region; half of relatively widely dispersed and incomes motorists in the north east of Scotland use are generally high. This leads to car their car every day. Within the population ownership and car use being high reflecting aged 17 and over: dispersed land use patterns for employment and housing, pointing to a high level • 42% of residents in Aberdeen City use of dependency on the car for mobility. a car every day, compared to 33% in The following results summarise many urban Scotland as a whole of the findings contained in the Scottish • 57% of Aberdeenshire residents use a Household Survey. car every day, compared to 48% • in rural areas averaged across Scotland Car ownership in the north east is higher although often this is a necessity which than the national average of 66% of causes economic hardship requiring households, and the rate of increase other sacrifices. is slightly higher than the average for Scotland, however a significant number of people do not have access to a car.

• Aberdeen’s level of car ownership with 85,600 cars is 24% greater than the average of Scotland’s large urban areas. • In Aberdeenshire, car ownership of 123,100 cars is 21% greater than in comparable rural areas (the average of accessible small towns, remote small towns and accessible rural areas). • The 2001 Census showed that in Aberdeen over 30% of households (and in some Aberdeenshire towns over 20% of households) do not have access to a car. all areasatbetween1% and2%,despite Levels ofcyclingtoworkweresimilarin • • • • 2005/06 amongemployedadults: dropped relativetothenationalaverage.In numbers travellingtoworkbybushave While useofthecarhasgrown,incontrast, work journeys. company carsisafactorinhighcarusefor as awhole,andthisplusprovisionof employers ismoreprevalentthanScotland the northeast,freeparkingprovidedby can beimportantinaffecting caruse.In using acarandparkingpolicycharges Parking isafactorinthemarginalcostof around 60%. Scotland whichremainedfairlystaticat 2005/2006, incontrasttotheaveragefor steadily from60%in1999/2000to65% car driversinthenortheasthasrisen The proportionofjourneystoworkby stable between1999/2000and2005/2006. These proportionshaveremainedrelatively for pleasure ortokeepfit. Aberdeen and 6%in Aberdeenshire cycled of transportintheprevious week;4%in Aberdeenshire hadcycled asameans 2005/06 just3%in Aberdeen and3%in cycle ownershipbeingrelatively high.In areas. to workcomparedwith13%inrural 12% of Aberdeenshire residentswalked compared to15%inurbanareas 14% ofcityresidentswalkedtowork areas generally to workbybuscompared7%inrural 5% of Aberdeenshire residentstravelled areas by buscomparedto18%inlargeurban 17% ofcityresidentstravelledtowork emissions pertravellerthanothersurface cause ofpeakhourcongestion,addmore occupant cars,whichtendtobethemain to greenhousegasemissions,andsingle freight movements. All vehicleuseadds time andaddtocostsforbusiness uncertain traveltimesandlostproductive crossings. These bottlenecksbringdelays, Aberdeen attheRiverDeeandDon congestion suchassouthandnorthof The regionsuffers frompocketsofsevere • • buses: factors thataffect howoftenpeopleuse to servicesandservicefrequenciesare and especiallysoin Aberdeenshire. Access corresponding urbanandruralaverages, more thantwiceaweekwasbelowthe the proportionofresidentsusingbuses in recentyears.InboththeCityandShire, services andfleethasresultedingrowth north east,althoughinvestmentinimproved Overall, bususeisrelativelylowinthe Scottish average. transport emissionsareslightlybelowthe average in Aberdeenshire, andoverall average inthecity, but34%abovethe Defra statisticsareonly55%oftheScottish emissions perheadascontainedinthe modes. Despitethis,surfacetransport rural areasonaverage. buses perhour, comparedwith15%in and aservicefrequency ofatleastthree live within6minuteswalk ofabusstop Only 10%of Aberdeenshire residents large urbanareasingeneral; buses perhour, comparedto 65%for service frequencyofthreeormore minutes walkofabusstopand 79% ofcityresidentslivewithin6

p23 Survey findings on views on bus services show more positive views in the north east than other areas with regard to running on time, frequency, meeting needs, personal safety/security and information. However, residents of both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire were more negative than residents of Scotland’s urban and rural areas with regard to interchange (integration) and value for money.

The rail network in the north east is very limited in extent and less than 1% use rail for travel to work, although in towns with a good rail service this can rise to 4%, such Freight as Stonehaven. Scottish Household Survey data show that: In addition to the energy sector, the north east continues to have a manufacturing • 87% of Aberdeen residents had not base which requires efficient movement used a train in the month prior to the of freight both outwards for fresh foods survey, compared to 79% in large urban including fish, and for finished and areas across Scotland; processed goods, and inwards for raw • 90% of Aberdeenshire residents had materials and semi-finished goods. The not used a train in the month prior to the region also imports goods for wholesale survey, compared to 84% in rural areas and retail sales. The forestry industry also on average. relies on a good road network to enable movements of timber. In the period 2000 The north east depends to a greater degree to 2005, an average of almost 30 million than many regions on the ability of people Tonnes (excluding oil and gas which are to travel into and out of the region on predominantly moved by pipeline) were business - not just the day and short stay moved to/from or within Grampian per year. business visitor but also for people working offshore. Research indicates that access • Around 80% is moved by road, 18% to a range of frequent direct air services goes through the region’s ports; is important for inward investment and • An annual average of 15.6 million city development. Aberdeen currently has tonnes of freight is moved within services to many major UK and European Grampian region: much of this is high business destinations including direct bulk items moving short distances; services to 24 business destinations. There • Around 3.2 4 million tonnes of freight are three direct rail services to London per per year was lifted by HGV in Grampian day via the East Coast, plus an overnight and moved to the rest of Scotland; and sleeper service. There is one Cross-Country another 900,000 tonnes was moved to service per day, providing a direct link to the the rest of the UK; Midlands of England. • In the same period 3.3 million tonnes of freight moved from the rest of Scotland to Grampian, along with 969,000 tonnes from elsewhere in the UK; development activity. and scaleofoil-relatedexploration might alsogrowdependingonthelocation and shortseaservices.Deepactivity see thedevelopmentofdomestic,coastal services, andtheregion’sportsarelikelyto development ofcoastalandshortseaferry Sea freightisexpectedtogrowwiththe • • • • many smallerharbours operating atFraserburgh,Macduff and Scotland’s majorports,withotherports Aberdeen andPeterheadareamong • • 2000 and2006, airfreightvolumesdeclined 3.5% oftotal freightbyvalue.Between and attheScotlandlevel accountsforonly transport (around1%)in thenortheast, relatively smallproportion offreight Rail freightcurrentlyaccounts fora 1% ofroadgoodsvehicles. unaccompanied trailers,butlessthan container trafficand12.2%of Aberdeen handled8.4%ofScotland’s destinations; sea destinationsand3%istodeep 10% istotheEU,8%othershort 76% of Aberdeen’s trafficisdomestic, both portsbyvolume; In-bound trafficexceedsoutboundat foreign maritimetrafficbyvolume; only 5%ofScotland’sdomesticand Scottish domesticcargobyvolume,but Peterhead accountfor11.3% ofall show thattogether Aberdeen and Department for Transport Statistics Scottish total. transport is£262million,7.9%ofthe total; andthevalueofcrossborderroad at £263million,11.5% oftheScottish report fortheScottishExecutivein2006 accruing totheregionisestimatedina The valueofScottishroadfreight the Grampianarea); total freightmoved(62%remainswithin 17% comparedto“imports”of21% of tradewith“exports”amountingto In volumeterms,thereisanimbalance Scotland. and isnotrecordedasairfreightwithin trucked fromScotlandtoEnglishairports because ahighproportionofairfreightis 4,000 Tonnes. Air freightisacomplex area Edinburgh. Aberdeen sawdeclineof17%to at allofScotland’smajorairportsexcept weather changes andextremeevents. such asthe likelihood offloodingevents, also to consider the implications of changes, which cancontributetoclimate changeand to minimiseemissionsof greenhousegases to recognisetheroleitcan playinhelping published inlate2006. This strategyneeds both commissionedbyHM Treasury and Change andtheEddington Transport Study, Stern ReviewontheEconomicsofClimate UK contextwillalsobeinfluencedbythe The directionoffuturetransportpolicyina are consistentwiththeobjectivesidentified. principles thereinanditsnationaloutcomes Scottish Governmenthasendorsedthe published inDecember2006. The new Strategy andaccompanyingdocuments, elaborated intheNational Transport the futureoftransportinScotlandwas The thenScottishExecutive’svisionfor Shire intheFuure Transport inAberdeenCiyand

p25 Any strategy for the next 15 years has to In the next 10-15 years new measures to have a degree of future proofing against tax car use and incentivise greater use of unforeseen change and risks. The need other modes may be introduced nationally. for future transport to be more sustainable Depending on the levels of fiscal costs, and to contribute much lower greenhouse such measures could begin to change travel gas emissions has become considerably and also choices of where to live and work, more apparent during the preparation of the which over the long term could change Regional Transport Strategy. Accordingly, the nature of the region’s economy and the future is likely to be one in which the settlement pattern. need for improved connectivity to promote economic development will go hand in hand The AWPR will increase connectivity across with the imperative of emissions reduction the region and between key employment and within a more sophisticated national centres and the airport, enabling the labour regulatory and fiscal regime, incorporating market to be more efficient and increasing measures to promote carbon reduction. In overall employment. Land use policy Aberdeen City and Shire it will be important will need to ensure that the increased to ensure that any fiscal or regulatory connectivity provided by the AWPR does measures introduced in a Scottish or UK not encourage further dispersal of homes context to reduce carbon emissions or and businesses, which could increase car tackle congestion do not disproportionately travel. This will need to be complemented affect the economy of the region and its by transport measures to improve the future development. availability and attractiveness of alternatives to car travel if traffic growth is to be Future demographic changes are likely to restrained and then reversed. A consultants put upward pressure on levels of car use. report into “Locking in the Benefits of the The numbers licensed to drive will increase, AWPR” identifies complementary measures as older people continue to drive while to ensure that improvements are protected young people become new drivers and join for the long term. the car using population. Further, there are clear trends towards smaller households Developments in vehicle technology may with more cars per household, and it is lead to reductions in emissions. However expected that there will be some 30,000 technological change has tended to be more households in the region by 2021. evolutionary rather than revolutionary and Income growth is expected to continue to while there are cleaner fuels and better contribute towards increasing the numbers electric and hybrid cars available now, of cars per head, although income growth these have not yet become commonplace. might be at a slower rate than it has been There is however potential for Aberdeen over the last 30 years. Overall, therefore, City and Shire to capitalise on its role and car ownership is expected to grow. reputation as a centre for energy technology by developing or piloting alternative fuels. Many commuting trips using the strategic This should not be confined to private cars road network already have origins and as significant emissions savings can be destinations that are dispersed, driven made through buses and trains adopting by the attractiveness of rural living and alternative fuels. dispersed centres of employment. This has been reinforced by rising real costs of Measures to reduce trends towards using public transport compared with cars. These ever larger vehicles and engines and to trends are likely to continue, however there tighten emission controls would have a is a need to ensure that this does not lead more immediate impact, and here locally to a consequent increase in road traffic. targeted measures could be useful in future. and maybeincreasinglyrelevantinthe significant contributionstoreducingtravel including video-conferencingcanmake working andincreasinguseoftechnology practices andinitiativessuchashome- business travelhasgrown.Flexibleworking face contacthasremainedimportantand despite recentadvancesinICT, face-to- ICT willreducethedemandfortraveland However therearelimitstoextentwhich working andreducedtraveltomeetings. workers seektoincreaselevelsofhome changes, especiallyifbusinessesand This isanareathatcouldseerevolutionary way informationtechnology(ICT)isused. mechanisms wouldalsohelptochangethe High energycostsandnationalcharging patterns. and changetravelpossiblylifestyle that consumerswouldswitchtosmallercars by producingmoreefficientvehicles,and would respondtocontinuedhighoilprices taxation. Itisalsolikelythatmanufacturers addition topossiblenationalchangesin growth. People willcontinuetoneed to impact onconnectivityand economic to reducecarbonemissions againsttheir It willbenecessarytobalance measures of carusecouldactuallybereducedoutwith Vehicle Exciseandfuelduties,thatthecost if combinedwithconsequentreductionsin implementation. Howeveritispossiblethat the northeastwoulddependondetailof system ontransportandtheeconomyof within thenexttenyears. The impactofany road userchargingmaybebroughtforward The introductionofanationalsystem attracting andretainingtalent. where economicsuccessdependson competitiveness willbecriticalinthefuture damaging economicperformanceand Reducing carbonemissionswithout link betweeneconomicandtrafficgrowth. purposes, butitisimportanttobreakthe travel foreconomic,socialandother alternative tousingheavy goodsvehicles. likely tocontinuebedeveloped asan the capacityandcapability ofrailfreightis importance forfreightmovements, while services arealsoexpectedtogrowin the car. Coastal andshortseashipping enable railtocompetemoreeffectively with between Scotland’sthreemaincitiesand / Glasgowwouldimproveconnectivity times between Aberdeen and Edinburgh meantime asignificantreductioninjourney such improvementswererealised.Inthe would alsobealonglead-intimebefore for theregiontosignificantlybenefit. There would needtoextendnortheastScotland Scotland isbeingconsidered,butservices of highspeedrailbetweenLondonand rival thespeedofairtravel.Development journey timesandaccessibility, whichwould London wouldbringaboutastep-changein rail connectionsbetweenScotlandand of theUKandEurope.However, highspeed means ofconnectingtheregiontorest competitiveness. Aviation isanimportant sustain andenhancetheregion’splace the northeast,thereisaneedto As wellasbetterconnectivitywithin city centresandcongestedroutes.

p27 The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire business iscrucialtoachieving thisgoal location inwhichtolive,work,visitanddo competitiveness ofthenortheastasa area, NorthEastScotland Together. The by ACSEF and thestructureplanfor economic developmentstrategydeveloped objective within“BuildingonEnergy”,the growth hasbeenidentifiedasakey over-riding purpose,sustainableeconomic In linewiththeScottishGovernment’s Growth Supporting ustainable Economic consultation. plans andstrategieswidestakeholder of publisheddataandresearch,other are foundedonastrongevidencebase strategy needstoaddress. These issues of twelvestrategicissueswhichthe This analysishasledtotheidentification and challengesfortheuture. has beendeveloped,andoutlinedtrends the currentontextinwhichstrategy The previouschater issues the UKand the widerworldisessential to and itsaccessibilitytothe restofScotland, The connectivityof Aberdeen Cityand Shire and transportisakeyelement ofthis. ainted pictureof future landuseplansfor theregion. investment intransportinfrastructure and important thatthereissynergy between development goalsand initiatives. Itisalso should helpachieveregionaleconomic theme in A SmartSuccessfulScotlandand in supportingtheGlobalConnections Transport Strategyhasakeyroletoplay strengthened inthefuture. The Regional current economicgrowthissustainedand needs todiversifyinorderensurethat It isrecognisedthatthenortheasteconomy education opportunities. connecting peoplewithemploymentand and transporthasaclearroletoplayin seeking toinvestordevelopintheregion labour marketisimportanttocompanies business tourism. Access toalarge,skilled investment andincreasedleisure formation anddevelopment,inward providing therightenvironmentforbusiness growth ofexistingbusinesses,butalso both supportingthecompetitivenessand 05

p29 Reducing Emissions of Greenhouse Gases and Pollutants

Climate change is acknowledged as an international priority that requires action at all levels to reduce carbon emissions. The transport sector contributes 22% of carbon emissions in Scotland, with 86% of these emissions arising from road transport. While transport emissions in the north east are close to the average for Scotland, this level is already unsustainably high, so real reductions in emissions are required if transport’s impact on climate change is to be reduced. The Scottish Climate Change Programme and the consultation on a Climate Change Bill set out Scotland’s contribution to meeting the UK Government’s commitments to reducing by organisations and individuals. carbon emissions – these will require action Emissions from vehicles are a major cause at regional and local, as well as national of poor air quality which can damage levels. health and affect the attractiveness of the urban environment. Part of Aberdeen The Stern Review of the Economics City Centre has been designated an Air of Climate Change provides a detailed Quality Management Area, which requires evidence base for the climate challenge setting and monitoring targets for improving that we face and concludes that acting now air quality and proposals are being to stabilise and reduce carbon emissions considered for declaring 2 further areas at considerably outweighs the costs in the Haudagain junction and on Wellington Road future. Both the National Transport Strategy between the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and the Stern Review acknowledge that and Balnagask Road. While advances in there is a major challenge in reducing engine technology have reduced harmful carbon emissions, while maintaining emissions, these have been offset by traffic economic competitiveness. However Stern growth and congestion. It is important to recognises that there are considerable improve air quality, both through reducing opportunities to be gained from moving traffic growth in urban centres and to a low-carbon economy. Measures to promoting the use of cleaner engines and tackle climate change do however need to alternative fuels. be balanced against the need to ensure continued connectivity of the region to Ensuring Social Inclusion sustain employment and economic growth. The key is to uncouple economic growth Transport has a key role to play in ensuring and traffic growth through reducing the social inclusion and improving quality of life. need to travel and encouraging a shift Lack of access to transport can limit access to more sustainable modes of transport. to employment, services and health care, There is a major role for the public sector despite an overall high wage economy and in leading this change, but to make a real low unemployment. In areas of multiple impact action is required at all levels, deprivation and poor health, mobility is particularly through the travel choices made limited by the availability of public transport of informationandeaseinterchange. with afrequentservice,theaccessibility low-floor buses,theproximitytoabusstop disabled peopleinvolvestheavailabilityof accessibility ofpublictransporttoolderand social opportunitiesforyoungpeople. The in providingaccesstoeducationand Public transportplaysanimportantrole Community Planningpartners. Aberdeenshire bythelocalauthoritiesand being takenforwardinboth Aberdeen and in supportingtheregenerationinitiatives therefore hasanimportantroletoplay and trainingopportunities. Transport access totransportcanlimitemployment mobility inremoteruralareasandlackof transport arealsofactorswhichaffect The availabilityandfrequencyofpublic reduces moneyavailableforotherthings. income householdsthecostofusingacar in Aberdeenshire isrelativelyhigh,forlow walk toworkthere.Whileaccessacar and anaboveaverageproportionofpeople access isbetterthanaverageintheCity, are higherfordisadvantagedareas.Bus in Aberdeenshire, althoughthesefigures 31% ofhouseholdsin Aberdeen and16% and lackofaccesstoacar, whichaffects in thenortheastoccurontrunkand and serious injuries. Many serious accidents preventing accidentsandreducingdeaths and enforcementallhavearoletoplayin on ourroads.Engineering,education far toomanydeathsandseriousinjuries road casualtyreduction,buttherearestill The northeasthashadagoodrecordof Improving Safetyandecurty conventional publictransport. for peoplewhohavedifficultyaccessing network andprovidingtailoredservices role toplayinfillinggapsthetransport transport initiativeshaveanimportant Demand responsiveandcommunity vehicles andincreasethe safetyofusers. reduce conflictsbetween cyclesand communities. Segregated cycleways facilities onbusytrunkroads whichbisect a particularneedtoprovide safecrossing improve safetyforpedestrians,butthereis provision ofpedestriancrossingfacilities Street lighting,streetscapedesignandthe detect crime,whilereassuringpassengers. on trainsandbusescanhelpdeter waiting andinterchangefacilitiesCCTV security needstobebuiltintothedesignof public transport,walkorcycle.Personal is importantinencouragingpeopletouse Addressing realandperceivedsafetyissues reduction ratesfurther. and consideringopportunitiestoimprove recognising theimportanceofissue on ajointCasualtyReductionStrategy, Partners acrossthenortheastareworking investment inroadimprovementschemes. be amajorconsiderationindetermining contribution toimprovingroadsafetyshould a nationalandnortheastlevelthe needs tocontinuebeapriorityatboth number andseverityofroadaccidents high proportionofthese.Reducingthe speed isamajorcontributoryfactorin primary roadnetworkandinappropriate

p31 Improving Connectivity Increasing Public Transport Usage

The north east’s geographical location National data shows that car use in the presents connectivity challenges, with north east is high and bus use is low significant surface journey times to the compared with urban and rural benchmarks. rest of the UK and onwards to continental The National Transport Strategy identified Europe. However Aberdeen City and Shire increased use of public transport as a key is an outward-looking region, with the means of tackling congestion and reducing percentage of local companies increasing carbon emissions. Improving public their market share in international markets transport has been a key focus for Nestrans rising year on year over the past decade. and is central to achieving increased rail and bus use. Responses to the consultation External connections by rail, road, air and on the RTS showed strong public support sea are vital to the north east economy for improved bus and rail services and and contribute to its attractiveness as a innovative approaches that will deliver a place to live, work, invest or visit. There is step-change in passenger numbers. Travel a need for constraints on the strategic road to work and education were identified as network outside the region to be addressed particular areas for action. Surveys suggest in order to reduce journey times and that a consistent factor in low bus use is increase their reliability. Faster rail services perceived poor value for money, along with to Edinburgh, Glasgow and London are availability of services and interchange needed to enhance both real and perceived problems. In Aberdeen, people recognise accessibility. High speed rail would have they could use alternatives to the car a major impact on the connectivity of the but far fewer rural area residents believe region and it is important that the benefits there are viable alternatives. An ageing of any new High Speed Rail links extend to north east Scotland to ensure that the relative peripherality of the region does not increase.

Aviation is central to improving connectivity and direct air connections from Aberdeen have a key role in sustaining the economic growth of the region. The environmental impacts of aviation need to be mitigated, but it is important that any future measures to tackle carbon emissions from aviation do not increase the relative peripherality of the north east. The region has well-established global maritime links and it is important that these continue to develop, particularly for the transport of freight, which is highly efficient and can contribute to reducing road traffic. EU programmes such as the Motorways of the Northern Seas and the Northern Maritime Corridor project can assist in developing links and identifying future opportunities. Scotland RailFreightDevelopment Group The recentsuccessoftheNorthEast elsewhere inthenationalroadnetwork. and reliability, butthereremainconstraints AWPR willimprovelocaljourneytimes industries withinthenortheast. The to marketthisdisadvantagesmanufacturing freight byroadarehigh.Duetodistances within theregion,costsofmovement because muchofthemovementisentirely road. Although roadisthedominantmode which arepredominatelyundertakenby by efficientandreliablefreightmovements, The northeast’seconomyisunderpinned Goods Ensuring EfficientMovemof and changetravelchoices. measures totackleoutofdateperceptions of demandresponsivetransport,backedby in publictransport,includingdevelopment will requireimprovementsandinnovation sustainable travelhabitsbyyoungpeople population andtheneedtoencouragemore further enhancements toinfrastructure terminal capacityisnow available,but of freightfromroadtorail. Modernfreight opens upthepotentialfor furthertransfer in securingloadinggauge improvements The AWPR willimprovetravelacross Route Aberdeen WesternPeripheral Maximising theBenefitsof between seaandothermodes. faster andmorecost-effective interchange such opportunities,whichwillbehelpedby developed portscapableofexploiting more attractive. The northeasthaswell continental roll-onroll-off servicesbecome costs rise,theeconomicsofcoastaland movements aregrowing,andasenergy of railfreight.Seaandbasedfreight in futuretoaccommodateincreaseduse and increasedincentivesmaybeneeded consequent additional cartravel. and notdiminished throughdispersal and benefits ofthe AWPR are maximised, to beintegratedensure thetransport and landusepolicieswill thereforeneed increase thedemandfor travel. Transport further dispersalofland use, whichwould the RTS. There may alsobepressurefor forward andfullyimplementedthrough and itisimportantthatthesearetaken improvements todeliveryofthe AWPR example, publictransportandpedestrian consideration andimplementation.For and willbethesubjectoffurtherdetailed been consideredbytheNestransBoard to securebenefitsforthelongtermhas measures whichcouldbeimplemented growth. A consultants’report identifying are noterodedthroughadditionaltraffic and journeytimestoensurethatthese to ‘lock-in’improvementscongestion realised, andthattheopportunityistaken benefits thatthe AWPR willbringarefully that theconnectivityandaccessibility growth intheregion.Itisimportant travel, whichwillhelptosustaineconomic roads, itwillreducethetimecostof away fromthecityandunsuitablerural local roads.Bytakingthroughtraffic of thecity, aswelllinkingtostrategic trunk roadstothenorth,southandwest Aberdeen bybetterconnectingexisting

p33 Supporting Vibrant Aberdeenshire Towns

Transport plays an important role in connecting towns in Aberdeenshire and facilitating access to local services and employment. The north east’s larger settlements presently have a mixed residential, service and employment role, which may be further enhanced by focussing housing and commercial developments (other than that which is more appropriate for Aberdeen) to these settlements, helping to reduce travel demand. Transport links can support economic development initiatives in Aberdeenshire, such as the innovative Developing a Strong City Centre hydrogen power and carbon capture plant in Peterhead, through providing access to Aberdeen has potential to perform better as employment and facilitating the movement a regional centre of the scale and quality of goods and raw materials. Good transport befitting the north east’s status as a world links between towns, particularly public player in the energy sector, as Scotland’s transport, also help promote tourism and third city in terms of the population and improve the connectivity of the region. as the capital of one of the UK’s most Developments that encourage walking and prosperous regions. Research has shown cycling within towns, as well as local bus that regional growth largely depends upon services can improve accessibility and help growth in a region’s urban centre. A stronger reduce car use. city centre could strengthen and diversify the economy of the region as a whole. The Embracing New Technologies retail and business service base within the city centre has potential to expand, with New technologies are likely to have a major businesses serving a wider market, with impact on our need to travel, our travel greater reliance on locally sourced goods. choices and impact on the environment. The next 15-20 years will see innovative Both sectors need to develop to contribute transport initiatives, which may include a to growing and restructuring the regional national road user charging scheme, the economy. These activities need to be roll out of alternative fuel technologies and concentrated rather than dispersed, in greater use of information technology to order to secure the advantages that can reduce the need to travel. The north east come from co-location. A strong centre with has the opportunity to be a leader of change a more concentrated retail, leisure and in the development of new fuel and related business base will increase demand for technologies and in promoting their use travel to the centre, which in turn makes for private as well as public transport. This improvements in public transport more fits with the region’s economic aspirations viable, helping to attract more trips by public to develop as a centre of excellence in transport as an alternative to the car. energy technologies and links to the Next Generation projects being taken forward by Scottish Enterprise Grampian and Aberdeenshire residents commutetoand data, 53%ofCityresidentsand76% big impact.Basedon2001Censussurvey changes tothewaywetravelcanhavea as pollutionandcongestion.Evensmall the negativeimpactsofourtravelsuch We allhaveaparttoplayinreducing Changing Travel Behaviour technological advances. the shorttermratherthanawaitingfuture and mustembracebehaviourchangein we cannotrelyonnewtechnologiesalone increased consumer expectations. However, the needsofanageingpopulation,and changing demographics, particularly to meet has thepotentialtohelptransportadapt environmental issues.Newtechnologyalso both economiccompetitivenessand about thenortheast’sambitionstoaddress ACSEF. This wouldsendpositivesignals the future. traffic congestion andparkingproblems in and improvement whichwouldavoid major to foreseeanyrealisticrate ofroadbuilding with onlyasingleoccupant –itisimpossible continued stronggrowth incaruse–often from workbycaronaregular basis.With reducing theneedtotravel,particularlyby Land useplanninghasakeyroletoplayin awareness projects. continues topilotnewandinnovativetravel Strategy aimstoensurethatNestrans Organisation. The Regional Transport and theDyce Transport Management scheme, sustainabletravelgrantscheme piloted projectssuchasacarshare barriers toreducingcaruse. The MTS Regional Transport Strategy, totackle taken forwardwithothermeasuresinthe Planning Strategyandthisneedstobe Nestrans hasalreadydevelopeda Travel Travel Plansandtravelawareness. from singleoccupancycarusebypromoting Nestrans aimstoencourageashiftaway identified inthestrategy. meet theobjectivesand addresstheissues development ofactions and measuresthat chapter, whichinturnhaveledtothe the developmentofobjectivesinnext The issuesidentifiedherehaveinformed the continueddevelopmentofeconomy. network inthenortheastandsupporting changes, whileimprovingthetransport important tocontributetacklingclimate identified, andastrongmessagethatitis showed broadagreementwiththeissues The publicconsultationontheRTS Addressing theIssues choice inthefuture. likely tohaveasignificantimpactontravel journeys. Increasingenergycostsarealso can alsoprovidealternativesformany Demand Responsive Transport services Improved busservicesandanincreasein the numberofjourneysonnetwork. higher caroccupancycanhelpreduce essential, butmeasurestoencourage many tripsinruralareas,carusewillremain that encouragemoresustainabletravel.For guidance, SPP17,promotesdevelopments car. The ScottishGovernment’splanning

p35 The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire transport strategies. the Modern Transport System andlocal influenced bytheobjectivesdevelopedfor analysis ofproblemsandissues,are The RTS objectivesstemfromthedetailed and socially inclusvesociety.” economically competitve,sustainable, east ofScotlandwhichenablesamore “A transportsystemforthenorth objectives andaons: Our visonfortransportunderpinsour establishng aseresofobjectves. is drvenbyagreengavonand The processfordevelopingthisRTS objectives vison and overriding purposeis: Economic Strategy, whichdeclaredits Government haspublished theGovernment Since theRTS was developed,theScottish purpose andfivehighlevel objectives: organisations togeartheir activitiestothis makes clearthatitexpects allpublicsector The GovernmentEconomic Strategy economic growth." to flourish,throughincreasingsustainable country, withopportunitiesforallofScotland services oncreatingamoresuccessful "to focustheGovernmentandpublic 06

p37 WEALTHIER & FAIRER - Enable businesses growth in the north east, improving access and people to increase their wealth and to opportunities and enhancing our more people to share fairly in that wealth. environment and quality of life. Through the RTS, Nestrans and its partner local SMARTER - Expand opportunities for Scots authorities will focus their activities in to succeed from nurture through to life long support of the Government’s national learning ensuring higher and more widely purpose. shared achievements. The Concordat between central and local HEALTHIER - Help people to sustain government also sets out fifteen national and improve their health, especially in outcomes and 45 national indicators, disadvantaged communities, ensuring which provide the basis for determining better, local and faster access to health local outcomes and indicators through care. Single Outcome Agreements. Appendix A SAFER & STRONGER sets out how the RTS contributes to these - Help local outcomes. communities to flourish, becoming stronger, safer places to live, offering improved Single Outcome Agreements are intended opportunities and a better quality of life. to be developed in conjunction with community planning partners, including GREENER - Improve Scotland’s natural and regional transport partnerships. Transport built environment and the sustainable use has a key role to play in achieving these and enjoyment of it. outcomes and there is a strong fit between the Government’s national objectives and There is clearly a strong correlation the regional transport strategy. Nestrans is between the RTS vision and objectives and working closely with both Aberdeen City and the national purpose and objectives set Aberdeenshire Councils to inform the Single by the Government. The RTS is focused Outcome Agreements for their areas. on enabling and sustaining economic • • • focuses onthreestrategicoutcomesto: In addition,theNational Transport Strategy • • • • • Transport Strategy, whichareto: White Paperandre-affirmedintheNational objectives fortransportsetoutinthe2004 of theGovernment’smorespecificnational The RTS wasalsodevelopedinthecontext affordability. Improve quality, accessibilityand Reduce emissions;and Improve journeytimesandconnections; between different formsoftransport. working toensuresmoothconnection planning andticketingeasier Improve passengers andstaff; safety ofpedestrians,drivers, accidents andenhancingthepersonal Improve resources andenergy; emissions andconsumptionof sustainable transport,whichminimise transport andothertypesofefficient health bybuildingandinvestinginpublic Protect our accessibility ofthetransportnetwork; communities andincreasingthe connecting remoteanddisadvantaged Promote networks tomaximisetheirefficiency; transport services,infrastructureand enhancing, managingandmaintaining Promote integration safety social inclusion economic growth environment ofjourneysbyreducing bymakingjourney andimprove by bybuilding, targets tobesetoutintheDeliveryPlan, objectives willbeusedtodevelopSMART and oneormoreoftheobjectives. The positively towardsachievingthevision that allelementsofthestrategycontribute tested againsttheobjectivestoensure detailed inthenextsection,alloptionswere strategy meetstheobjectives. As willbe different scenarios,toensurethatthefinal guide thedevelopmentofoptionsand strategy needstoachieve. These inturn The objectivessetoutclearlywhatthe consultation insummer2006. have beendevelopedthroughstakeholder by threeOperationalObjectives. These Objectives, eachofwhichissupported The RTS objectivescomprisefourStrategic objectives arelistedbelow. implementation ofthestrategy. The the strategy. These willassistinmonitoring which willbepublishedfollowingapprovalof

p39 strategic Objective 1: Economy To enhance and exploit the north east’s competitive economic advantages, and reduce the impacts of peripherality.

• To make the movement of goods and people within the north east and to/from the area more efficient and reliable.

• To improve the range and quality of transport to/from the north east to key business destinations.

• To improve connectivity within the north east, particularly between residential and employment areas. strategic Objective 2: Accessibility, Safety and Social Inclusion To enhance choice, accessibility and safety of transport, particularly for disadvantaged and vulnerable members of society and those living in areas where transport options are limited.

• To enhance travel opportunities and achieve sustained cost and quality advantages for public transport relative to the car.

• To reduce the number and severity of traffic related accidents and improve personal safety and security for all users of transport.

• To achieve increased use of active travel and improve air quality as part of wider strategies to improve the health of north east residents. Sp • • • north east. and dynamiccitycentretownentresarossthe To supporttranspintegration anda strong,vibrant Strategic Objective4: • • • transport onclimate andairqualty. built environmentandhertage andreducethefftsof To conserveandenhanethenortheast’snatural and Environment strategic Objective3: To enhancepublictransportopportunitiesandreducebarriers touseacrossthenorth between transportmodesandservices. To encourageintegrationoftransportandspatialplanning improveconnections by publictransport,walkingandcycling. To improveconnectivitytoandwithin Aberdeen Cityand Aberdeenshire towns,especially To reducegrowthinvehiclekilometrestravelled. To reducetheenvironmentalimpactsoftransport,inlinewithnationaltargets. cars. To reducetheproportionofjourneysmadebycarsandespeciallysingleoccupant east, especiallyruralareas. atial Plannng

p41p41 The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire were identified. These measuresbuildon and measureswhichmettheobjectives were developedwithinwhichprojects choice andfiscal&financialinterventions external links,networkcapability, travel Broad strategiccategoriescovering schemes. strategic packageasopposedtoisolated measures wouldinteractaselementsofa process, considerationwasgiventohow for inclusioninthestrategy. Duringthe that awiderangeofoptionswasconsidered dismissed atthisstageinordertoensure objectives. Norealisticoptionswere issues identifiedandachievetheagreed the MTSandwerelikelytoaddress complement theexistingschemeswithin schemes andpackagesdevelopedwhich starting pointfortheoptiongeneration,with The strategicobjectiveswereusedasthe policy interventonswas generated. a widerangeofpotentalstrateg ic desire foreachRTStobevsonary, In keepingwiththeScottshExecutve’s and Appraisal Option Generation projects have beentakenasagiven. Table purposes ofdeveloping the RTS, these a certainlevelofcommitment. Forthe contained intheMTS,which haveachieved the ReferenceCase,comprising projects appraisal. The six packageswere: different impacts wouldbecapturedduring towards particularobjectives toensure Case. Three oftheinitialpackagesleaned created, allofwhichbuildontheReference appraisal, sixdifferent packageswere the objectivesandindicators.Forinitial relative meritscouldbeassessedagainst one ormoredistinctpackages,sothattheir measures andactivitieswereassignedto progressing towardsapreferredpackage, For thepurposesofmodellingand Measures andActives Packages ofComplementary Framework. Internal ConnectionsandStrategicPolicy strategies titledExternalConnections, outlined havebeenrefinedintothreesub- the final RTS, thebroadstrategiccategories details ontheReferenceCaseprojects.In 8.1 inthenextchapterprovidesfurther 07

p43 1. Low Cost – Measures and activities 4. Medium Cost (Environment) - that will require relatively low levels A third package, also requiring relatively of revenue and capital funding. This medium levels of revenue and capital would approximate to a continuing level funding similar to other Medium Cost of expenditure for transport broadly packages. Focus is on schemes that equivalent to present levels of funding. would best achieve the environmental objectives, yielding benefits including 2. Medium Cost (Economy) – This measures to encourage modal shift and package would require an increased active travel. level of expenditure on transport over the life of the strategy, to relatively 5. Medium Cost (Spatial Planning) medium levels of revenue and capital – a further package requiring relatively funding. Options are included that medium levels of funding similar to other would focus on achieving the economic Medium Cost packages. Emphasis is on objectives, yielding benefits with an schemes which best achieve objectives emphasis towards relieving congestion, which yield benefits for connectivity boosting the north east’s economy and within and between settlements in the infrastructure-based solutions. north east

3. Medium Cost (Accessibility and 6. High Cost – this package combines Social Inclusion) - This package many of the schemes within the medium also requires relatively medium levels of cost scenarios and contains some revenue and capital funding of a scale measures and activities requiring a broadly equivalent to the other Medium relatively high level of revenue and Cost packages. Schemes are included capital funding. Realistically these which would best achieve the social schemes would require a very high inclusion objectives, yielding benefits funding allocation combined with with an emphasis towards public new revenue streams, but they were transport measures, making travel included to ascertain their relative merits more affordable and favouring socially and acceptability. excluded sectors of population or areas. • • • outputs againstkeyindicators,namely: east. This modelprovidesdirectappraisal Gleave andadaptedforuseinthenorth dynamics modeldevelopedbySteerDavies appraisal wasundertakenusingasystem packages fordetailedappraisal. The policy frameworkwereassembledinto measures andelementswithinthestrategic peripherality. The internalconnections particularly inreducingtheimpactsof economic prosperityofthenortheast, are consideredtoprimarilyrelatethe The externalconnectionsmeasures • • • packages, alongsideanassessmentof This analysiswasusedtodevelopthe core performancemeasures. ensure thatitachievedsuccessagainst performance tests,includingtestingto of thestrategy, whichprovidedasetof work undertakentoassessthesuccess appraisal. The siftingwasbasedonparallel was fedintotheprocessofsiftingand and setinappropriatepackages,this that allrealisticoptionshadbeenidentified apposite package.Onceitwasevident been identifiedandsetwithinthemost appropriate measuresandactivitieshad key stakeholderstodeterminewhetherall consultation exercisewasundertakenwith In parallelwithtestingthesescenarios,a • mode shares,asanenvironment and car miles,asanenvironmentindicator; indicator; employment (jobsfilled),asaneconomy mutually exclusive. whether anymeasuresmightbe with othermeasures;and integration –howwelldidameasurefit delivered; deliverability –couldthemeasurebe indicator. service locations,asasocial inclusion changes inaccessibility to centralhealth social inclusionindicator; and The preferredpackagecomparedwiththe and objectives. offered benefitsagainst all oftheindicators final packagewasdetermined,which through over40versionsuntiltheoptimal indicators. Inpracticethepackageswent combination ofoutcomesagainstthe in ordertoachievethemostacceptable measures added,removedormodified further seriesofrunsweremodelled,with had significantgrowthincarmiles. A elements toenableeconomicgrowth consequences andthatpackageswith benefits, buthadseriouseconomic constrain carusecouldoffer environmental packages withrestrictivemeasuresto The earlymodelrunsindicatedthat • • • • reference case, achieves all of the following: social inclusion. which isamajorcontributortowards such asuniversitiesandhospitals, Improved accessibilitytokeylocations excluded groups;and opportunities fortravelbysocially to reducecartravelandincrease transport, whichisnecessaryinorder Increased modesharebypublic benefits; strategy willbeadditionaltothese reductions overtheperiodof other benefitsintermsofemissions road trafficreduction:technologicaland the ScottishExecutive’saspirationof an environmentalgainandsupporting A stabilisationincarmiles,denoting employment land; due tobetteraccessjobsand performance oftheeconomy, largely would denoteanimprovementinthe jobs filledacrosstheregion,which An increaseinpredictednumbersof

p45 Figure 7.1: Option Appraisal Process

Option Options Issues Objectives Generation Modified

1st Sift Implementability Test Poorly Performing • Feasibility & Packages Deliverability • Effectiveness • Acceptability • Policy

Options Modified

Options Packaging Policy Compliance Test Modified • National Objectives • Strategy Objectives • Complementability Modelling

Implementability Test Performance Indicators Poorly Performing • Feasibility & 1. Jobs Filled Options Deliverability 2. Car Miles • Effectiveness Packages 3. Mode Split • Acceptability 4. Accessibility • Policy

Poorly Performing Package Prioritised Draft Packages Optimisation Strategy Proposals

The option appraisal process is summarised This informed the shorter list of schematically in Figure 7.1. This depicts interventions which were then subjected how a long list of potential interventions to to further testing using the dynamic model. address one or more of the four strategic The model helped to develop a more objectives was developed and then scored complete future picture of the north east against the objectives by Steer Davies following the implementation of committed Gleave and Nestrans using a scoring schemes, so that future transport scenarios prioritisation method developed from that could be considered alongside land use recommended by the Scottish Executive. and demographic changes. This provided a joined up and holistic approach, rather than simply appraising transport impacts of individual interventions. • • between thefollowing): that thereisahighdegreeofoverlap best meetthefollowingcriteria(recognising package ofmeasuresandactivitiesthat been usedtohelpidentifyanoptimum prioritisation process. This guidancehas based prioritisationframework,toaidthis guidance, whichsupportsaSTAG- The ScottishExecutivehasissued best meetthestrategy’sobjectives. implementable measuresandactivitiesthat in ordertoidentifyanoptimumpackageof been subjecttoaprocessofprioritisation all thedifferent optionsconsideredhave Throughout thedevelopmentofthisstrategy implementation ofthepreferredpackage. package, andthenproposalsforthephased through thedevelopmentofapreferred prioritisation ofpossibleinterventions should beundertaken. This involves development andimprovementoftransport which different elementsoftheprovision, provision abouttheorderofpriorityin that Regional Transport Strategiesinclude The Transport (Scotland) Act 2005requires Priortsation model. package wastestedusingthedynamic and responsestoconsultation. The final by contributionsfromtheNestransBoard based onthemodeloutputs,supplemented as discussedabove. The finalpackageis a numberofkeyperformanceindicators using thedynamicmodelandtestedagainst The screenedinterventionsweremodelled • • The strategy’sobjectives asidentifiedin Integration, SocialInclusionandSafety; objectives ofEconomy, Environment, The Government’sfivekeypolicy against theidentifiedindicators; Effectiveness inperformingpositively Feasibility anddeliverability; Section 6;

ensuring themosteffective anddeliverable Consultation wasafundamentaltoolin performance againsttheobjectives. to ensureoptimumacceptabilityand are requiredearlyinthedeliveryprocess implementability andwhichmeasures a prioritisationintermsofrelative of measuresandactivitieshasincorporated leading toidentifyingtheoptimumpackage The processofsiftingandtestingoptions • • maximise impactandachieve BestValue. seek toexploitlinkages between projectsto terms offundingandtimescales andwill Delivery Planwillsetclearprioritiesin with thelocaltransportstrategies. The with bothlocalauthoritiesandwilltiein be developedandapprovedinpartnership projects andothermeasures. This planwill level strategywillbedeliveredthrough The DeliveryPlanwillsetouthowthishigh offered poorvalueformoney. positively againstalloftheobjectivesor aspirations, becausetheydidnotcontribute sifted outorincludedonlyaslongterm a significantnumberofschemeshavebeen maximum benefits.Itshouldbenotedthat in theoptimumpackagewillyield Delivering allthemeasuresandactivities against allofthestrategy’sobjectives. activities thatprovidespositivebenefits an optimumpackageofmeasuresand The optionappraisalprocesshasidentified prioritisation process. has beenincorporatedthroughoutthe identified. Inputfromkeystakeholders package ofmeasuresandactivitieswas development. areas suchaslanduseandeconomic Policy, includingfitwithrelatedpolicy stakeholders; and consultation withBoardmembersand Acceptability, asassuredthrough

p47 The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire accessibility improvements. The detailing offering economic,environmentaland and testingtoensureabalancedapproach package, developedthroughmodelling and interventions.Itrepresentsanoptimum strategic frameworkofintegratedmeasures The preferredstrategypackagesetsouta City and Aberdeenshire’s Local Plans. the NorthEastStructurePlanand Aberdeen the developmentplanframeworksetoutin Development Strategyandintegratewith Economic Forum’s(ACSEF) set outinthe Aberdeen CityandShire economic developmentaspirationsas the strategy. Itseekstomeettheregion’s out theprojectsandmeasurestoimplement accompanying DeliveryPlan,whichsets the detailedpolicyframeworkfor This strategydocumentprovides REGION BETWEEN2007AND2021. IMPROVEMENTS TOTRANSPORTACROSSTHE TRANSPORT NEEDSANDBRINGSUSTA INABLE AN INTEGRATED APPROACHTOMEETFUTURE THE REGIONALTRANSPORTSTRATEGY SETSOUT strategy p the preferred Scotland, Nestrans, Aberdeen Cityand public andprivate,including Transport undertaken byawiderange ofagencies, and implementationofthe strategywillbe ackage Nestrans’ activitiesand expenditure. 2003. Sincethenithasformed thebasisfor endorsed bytheScottish Executivein Executive’s STAG guidanceandformally developed andappraised usingtheScottish east overtheperiodto2011. The MTSwas benefits tothetransportsysteminnorth measures aimedatdeliveringsignificant System orMTS-anintegratedpackageof Nestrans developedtheModern Transport As avoluntarytransportpartnership, Transport System Buildng ontheModern and actionplans. by Nestransitselfthroughimplementation Transport Strategiesandwhereappropriate City and Aberdeenshire Councils’Local developed inmoredetailthrough Aberdeen and travelchoices. The packagewillbe community, throughourindividualactions transport operators,andalsothewider Aberdeenshire Councils,privatesector 08

p49 In developing the Regional Transport Strategy to 2021, Nestrans has taken the MTS as a key building block, integrating its policies and proposals within the new strategy. In particular, we have sought to identify opportunities created by the construction of Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route to implement complementary transport measures which ‘lock in’ and maximise its benefits.

In looking to 2021, existing projects from the MTS strategy which have secured a certain degree of commitment or have advanced significantly have been taken as a given. This strategy assumes that these projects will be implemented and therefore looks beyond existing transport problems identifying those which will need to be tackled in the next decade. These existing projects have formed a Reference Case against which proposed new projects have been assessed. The scale of the projects which have already secured commitment and are in the process of being delivered is testament to the achievements of Nestrans and its partners over the past five years. The major projects included within the Reference Case are set out in the following table. This is essentially the same list of projects included in the Reference Case previously and currently modelled for the AWPR to ensure compatibility in technical assumptions. contained ntheMTS) (includng ommittedprojets Figure 8.1:ReferencCaseProjets Kintore Stationre-opening Other Projectspromoted byNestrans Aberdeen-Inverness lineupgrade December 2008serviceimprovements Aberdeen Crossrail: Projects atanAdvancedStageofDevelopment Union StreetPedestrianisation Park andRideSiteonthe A947 Park andRideSitesat A96 and A90 (south) Committed Projects–DeliveryNotY Inverurie and A93 BanchoryPark&Ride Aberdeenshire Towns Interchanges- Aberdeen railwaystationredevelopment Guild Streettransportinterchange– Local roadandtrafficmanagementimprovements A90 Balmedie-Tipperty dualling Laurencekirk StationRe-opening Aberdeen Western PeripheralRoute Committed Projects–DeliveryUnderway Craiginches –toreplaceGuildStreetfacility New railfreightfacilitiesatRaithsFarmand Aberdeen BusStation Guild Streettransportinterchange– Bus StationandInteractiveinformationpoints Aberdeenshire Towns Interchanges–Peterhead Rail FreightGaugeEnhancement Committed Projects-Completed Project et Commenced Lead Agency Private sector/ Private sector Aberdeenshire Council Transport Scotland partners Nestrans andrail Transport Scotland First ScotRail/ Aberdeen CityCouncil Aberdeenshire Council Aberdeen CityCouncil Aberdeenshire Council Private sector Councils Aberdeenshire Aberdeen Cityand Transport Scotland Scotland/Nestrans Transport Transport Scotland rail industry

Completed Completed Completed agreed To be agreed To be 2008 2012 2009/10 2009/10 2009 2008 onwards 2007 2012 2009 2012 Completed Date Delivery Estimated

p51 Overview

The RTS sets out a package of measures to address the transport issues identified, to build on opportunities and achieve the agreed objectives; and sets out interventions and measures which make the strategy operational and deliverable. The package has been rigorously tested and shown to demonstrate positive results against key indicators reflecting the strategic objectives:-

• It offers an opportunity to grow jobs and enhance economic performance; • It achieves a reduction in total car miles travelled; • It achieves significant modal shift away from car dependence; • It improves accessibility, making key locations such as hospitals more easy Taken together, the combination of external to access by those who suffer most from and internal measures and the policy lack of transport choice; and framework will achieve the RTS objectives. • It offers good value for money in offering External measures will enhance the significant benefits which justify the economic potential and performance of costs involved. the north east. Internal measures including fiscal and awareness initiatives will reduce The Strategy is expressed through three the environmental impact of transport in Sub Strategies, reflecting different ways of the north east by encouraging a significant achieving the objectives and indicators: modal shift from the car towards more sustainable modes of transport and enable 1. Improving external connections a “locking in” of the benefits offered by between the north east and elsewhere, the AWPR. The package also increases so tackling the reality and perceptions accessibility and helps tackle social of location, distance, travel time exclusion to ensure that all members of and peripherality and enhancing the society in the north east have easy access performance of the north east as a to services. location. 2. Improving internal connections, enhancing the performance of the north east in economic, social and environmental terms. 3. Strategic policy framework, which indicates areas where measures such as Travel Awareness, incentives and enforcement can influence travel choice. acknowledgement thatthere isaneed are referredtoas“aspirations”,withan they donotmeetfundingcriteria. These which cannotpresentlybejustifiedas recognises themeritsofotherschemes existing commitments.Nestransalso Preferred Packagewhichbuildsonthe the ReferenceCaseschemes,and regarded ascomprisingthebasebudget, Regional Transport Strategy shouldbe to deliveringtheidentifiedobjectives. The to prioritisewhichschemesareessential package, butrecognisesthatitisnecessary Nestrans alsohasaspirationsbeyondthis Preferred Package. scenarios haveledtotheformulationofa which havebeentestedasalternative above thebasebudgetandreferencecase, those schemes,measuresandactivities to retestingormodelling. The options,or Reference Caseandhavenotbeensubject policy documents–thesearetakenasthe or arealreadysupportedthroughother forward throughstudyordesignwork commitment, arebeingdeliveredortaken of theschemesalreadyenjoyalevel delivered intheperiodto2011. Many Transport System,willbesubstantially Nestrans’ previousstrategy, theModern for specificschemes. makes thecaseforadditionalexpenditure least atthecurrentlevel,andthisstrategy years, itisassumedthatthiswillcontinueat maintenance functionsarefulfilled.Infuture ensuring maintenance,lightingandwinter including managingtheassetand already investsignificantlyintransport, Nestrans andthelocalauthorities in Context The RegionalransportStrategy suitability of schemes. changing situationsshifting thelongerterm subject tofundingbecoming availableor be suitableforlonger-term development to keeptheseunderreview, astheymay contribution totwoormoreofthestrategic Framework SubStrategieshasapositive Internal ConnectionsandStrategicPolicy Each oftheelementscontainedin elements ofthePreferredPackage. links betweentheobjectivesand Figure 8.2demonstratesthestrong Strategy. in section6oftheRegional Transport consultation insummer2006andsetout Objectives agreedfollowingstakeholder been testedtoensurefitwiththeStrategic indicators, eachelementoftheStrategyhas As wellasperformingagainstthekey Achievng Objectves categories. one elementsunderthreebroadstrategic have beensummarisedwithintwenty as indicatedinFigure8.3. The measures pulled togetherinthethreeSubStrategies, best againsttheobjectiveshavebeen The measuresandactivitieswhichperform strategic objectives. the internalmeasuresandactivities following table,whichshowsthefitbetween whole andarethereforenotincludedinthe benefits fortheregionandScotlandasa primarily aimedatsecuringeconomic objectives. The ExternalConnectionsare

p53 Figure 8.2: Relationship between Strategic Objectives and elements of the Internal Connections and Strategic Policy Framework ravel ravel Planning wo W heelers alking and Cycling ransport interchange Strategic Objective TB 1 Promoting T TB 2 Promoting A ctive T TB 3 Improving S afety I E 1 Changing Choices through Incentives I E 2 U sing nforcement I E 3 Parking S trategy & incentives IC7 A irport surface connections IC8 Port S urface Connections IC9 Freight IC10 Powered T IC1 R ail IC2 R oads improvements IC3 B us improvements IC4 D emand responsive transport IC5 T IC6 W Strategic Objective 1: Economy To enhance and exploit the north east’s competitive economic advantages, and ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ reduce the impacts of ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ peripherality. ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ Strategic Objective 2: Accessibility, Safety and Social Inclusion To enhance choice, accessibility and safety of transport, particularly for disadvantaged and vulnerable members of society and those living ¸ ¸ in areas where transport ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ options are limited. ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ Strategic Objective 3: Environment To conserve and enhance the north east’s natural and built environ- ment and heritage and reduce the effects of ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ transport on climate and ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ air quality. ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ Strategic Objective 4: Spatial Planning To support transport integration and a strong, vibrant and dynamic city ¸ ¸ centre and town centres ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ across the north east. ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ Figure 8.3:ElementsoftheStrategy change travelchoices Using financialandother measuresto Incentives andEnforcement information andtargeting Changing travelbehaviourthrough Travel Behaviour Sub trategy3:ThetrategicPolicyFramework the northeast private sectorservicesandhealthcarewithin Linking uppeople,businesses,publicand Internal Connections Sub trategy2:TheInternalConnections sector partners connections throughpublicandprivate Improving UK,Europeanandglobal External Connections Sub trategy1:TheExternalConnections IC2 IC1 EC5 EC4 EC3 EC2 EC1 IE3 IE2 IE1 TB3 TB2 TB1 IC10 IC9 IC8 IC7 IC6 IC5 IC4 IC3 Road Improvements Rail Connections byair Connections bysea Travel Inter-regional BusandCoach Strategic roads Rail linksandservices Parking Using Enforcement Incentives andPartnerships Changing Choicesthrough Improving Safety Promoting Active Travel Travel Awareness Promoting Travel Plansand Powered Two Wheelers Freight Port SurfaceConnections Airport SurfaceConnections Walking &Cycling Transport Interchange Demand Responsive Transport Bus Improvements

p55 The External Connections Rail Links and Services (EC1) Strategy Rail journey times between the north east Supporting sustainable economic growth and central Scotland are long relative and improving connectivity were identified to the distances involved, and there are as key issues for the strategy to address. also issues of train capacity, fare levels External connections are central to and peak-hour overcrowding. Faster and achieving this and play a crucial role in better rail links will improve connectivity linking the north east to the rest of Scotland and reduce perceptions of remoteness, and the UK, Europe and the world. The especially for travel to Edinburgh and measures in this section largely contribute Glasgow, Inverness, the north of England towards the economic objectives of the and London (including Sleeper services). strategy. Better and faster rail services will enable modal shift from cars, which will have Nestrans will continue to work with environmental benefits, and enhances the neighbouring Regional Transport productivity of business travel, which is Partnerships, transport operators and beneficial to the economy. Transport Scotland to ensure that connections to and from the north east are Nestrans will work with the rail industry, both maintained and enhanced. Transport Scotland and others to promote and support measures to cut journey times, There are five elements within the external including addressing pinch points in Angus connections strategy, corresponding to the and Fife and at Edinburgh Waverley and key modes for people and freight. Glasgow Queen Street stations. Nestrans will also support measures to reduce overcrowding and improve the reliability of services to central Scotland and beyond. on thestrategicroadnetwork affect the Congestion andunreliablejourneytimes Strategic R oads (EC2) central ScotlandandnorthernEngland. as aresultofimprovedconnectivityfor peripherality oftheregionisnotincreased to thenortheastensurethatrelative supported, butthebenefitsneedtoextend air travel.Developmentofhighspeedrailis accessibility, whichwouldrivalthespeedof a step-changeinjourneytimesand Scotland andLondonwouldbringabout High speedrailconnectionsbetween Connections strategy. Inverness linearediscussedintheInternal freight. Improvementstothe Aberdeen- also improvereliabilityandcapacityforrail Investment inrailinfrastructureshould complemented byreducedjourneytimes. and fromthenortheast,butneedstobe would enableimprovedrailaccessto provide aconnectiontoEdinburgh Airport The proposedrailwaystationatGogarto drivers’ hours andthecostsassociated are alreadydisadvantaged bylimitson north eastofScotland. These companies Scotland, andparticularly thosefromthe competitiveness ofbusinesses across Dundee andattheRiverForthcrossing north eastbusinesses,forexamplearound central Scotlandwhichcandirectlyaffect constraints betweenthenortheastand north eastandformeasurestoaddress incorporate priorityschemeswithinthe and NationalPlanningFramework2to for theStrategic Transport ProjectsReview particularly forfreight.Nestranswillpress especially harmfultojourneytimereliability, the region,wherebottleneckscanbe of thestrategicroadnetworkbeyond Nestrans willsupportthedevelopment motorway network,whichaddstocosts. between thenortheastandnational increasingly facepotentialbottlenecks with theextradistancesinvolved,and for example at ParkandRidesites. interchange withinter-city coachservices, also explorethepotential forimproved competitive alternativeto thecar. We will services, toprovidetravel choicesanda development ofregularinter-city coach Nestrans willsupportthecontinuationand services between Aberdeen andLondon. and NationalExpressalsoprovidedaily potential foronwardconnections.Megabus Aberdeen, EdinburghandGlasgow, with in providingregular, expresslinksbetween Citylink andMegabusplayanimportantrole Inter-city coachservicesoperatedby Travel (EC3) Inter-Regional BusandCoach commuters. demands causeshort-termproblemsfor and business,ratherthanwherepeak-hour capacity, impactingonstrategicmovements reflecting all-daydemandrelativeto priority forinvestmentshouldbedetermined the northeast.Nestranssuggeststhat availability offundingforprioritieswithin major schemeswhichcoulddilutethe over-concentration ofresourcesinafew points. However, Nestranscautionsagainst

p57 There are a number of further cross- users. The use of particular harbours is a boundary bus and coach links, which commercial decision for service providers, provide important travel connections but Nestrans will support the development between the north east and neighbouring of better surface access to all major ports in areas. We will work with other RTPs, the north east. particularly Tactran and HITRANS, and local authorities (and the Cairngorms National Nestrans and its partners will also seek to Park Authority) to ensure that cross- promote passenger and freight movements boundary requirements are recognised and by short sea shipping routes through the met. EU’s Programme for the Promotion of Short Sea Shipping, and similarly will seek Connections by Sea (EC4) to promote coastal shipping services to major UK ports. This will help manage the Aberdeen City and Shire’s connectivity growth of heavy goods vehicle traffic and has historically been focused around its allow freight movements to bypass land maritime links. In particular, the ports of bottlenecks. The EU programme contains a Aberdeen and Peterhead are important set of 14 actions subdivided into measures for goods movement, ferries, cruise ships and describes legislative, technical and and supporting the fishing and offshore oil operational initiatives which are aimed and gas industries – other harbours also at developing Short Sea Shipping at EU, have fishing fleets, including Macduff and national, regional and industry levels. Fraserburgh. Aberdeen Harbour Board Nestrans will encourage the development is currently investing in widening and of existing and new freight / passenger deepening the harbour to enable access ferry connections and routes between the by larger vessels. Peterhead Port Authority north east and Europe and will continue to is also progressing plans for additional promote and support projects to enhance berthing capacity and associated shore the role of the north east’s ports particularly facilities. The use of coastal and short sea to Scandinavia and the recent EU accession shipping as an alternative to road and rail countries in the Baltic. freight is expected to grow. Scotland’s north east’s ports are well placed to handle such Nestrans will work with partners to promote services to major UK and continental ports. Northern Maritime Corridor II projects and The public sector can play a supportive other Motorways of the Sea projects as role in this and Nestrans is leading the appropriate. development of a North East Freight Action Plan.

The lifeline ferry services to Orkney and Shetland terminate at Aberdeen harbour, which is close to a rail and bus interchange for ferry passengers travelling onwards to central Scotland and beyond. Nestrans will work with the maritime industry including shipping lines and port providers to enhance the role of the north east as a gateway and to ensure that services between the north east and Orkney and Shetland fully meet the needs of passenger and freight p59p59

contributing towards reducing environmental multiple flightsortraveltootherairports, can helptoreducetheneedformaking aircraft. Directflightstootherdestinations emit lessCO2perpassengerthanolder adopt moremodern,efficientaircraftwhich important thatairlinesareencouragedto of carbonemissionsanditistherefore Aviation isknowntobeagrowingsource such asHouston. continental hubsandotherenergycentres sector, servicesareneededtomajorcities, as acentreofexcellenceintheenergy To sustain Aberdeen CityandShire’srole place competitivenessofthenortheast. are thereforeessentialinsupportingthe well asfrequentlinkstohubairports, domestic andinternationalservices,as a surfacejourneyofovertwohours.Direct and accessingalternativeairportsinvolves generally notcompetitivewithairservices system. Journeytimesbyothermodesare aviation acrucialelementofthetransport Aberdeen’s geographicallocationmakes destinations. number ofdirectflightstointernational extending therunwayandincreasing on expandingtheairportinfrastructure, airport’s developmentto2030. This focuses December 2006,setsoutastrategyforthe Airport Masterplan,publishedbyBAA in to OrkneyandShetland. The Aberdeen also thebaseformanylifelineservices as agatewayforin-boundtourism.Itis connections forbusinessandacting City andShire,boththroughproviding in supportingtheeconomyof Aberdeen the fastestgrowing.Itplaysakeyrole regional airportsintheUKandoneof Aberdeen Airport isoneofthebusiest Connections byAir(EC5) Airport BusinessDevelopment Forumto Nestrans will continuetoworkthrough the Frequency of Services Aberdeen irport-irR outes and impacts. Aberdeen irport-RunwayExtension • • • focus onthefollowing: Airport playsinthenortheast. This workwill support theimportantrolethat Aberdeen Obligations. need bethroughtheuse ofPublicService well-being ofthenortheast areretained-if which arecriticaltotheeconomic andsocial most appropriatemeans forensuringroutes opportunities. Nestrans will explorethe by protectingslotsandinterlining including HeathrowandGatwick(London) continuation ofservicestomajorhubs, Nestrans willseektoensurethe A Aberdeen irport–SupportforKey Aberdeen Airport. the MiddleEastwithinnon-stoprangeof bring destinationsinNorth America and proposed forthelongerterm,would route stops. A furtherextension, currently restrictions orcostlyandinconvenienten- from Aberdeen Airport withoutpayload aircraft tooperatenon-stopdirectservices more fuel-efficientaircraft,andallow which willenableairlinestouselarger, extend theexistingrunwayby300metres, permission by Aberdeen CityCouncilto Aberdeen Airport. BAA hasbeengranted is theextensionofexistingrunwayat transatlantic andotherlonghaulroutes required tofacilitatethedevelopmentof A keyinfrastructureimprovementthatis viation Routes tourism. travel, especiallytoencourageinward improving theavailabilityofleisure de Gaulle;and Amsterdam Schiphol,andParisCharles international hubs–LondonHeathrow, maintaining thefrequencyofservicesto destinations; European andinternationalbusiness establishing newdirectroutesto

p61 The Internal Connections Strategy

The internal connections strategy aims to improve the transport infrastructure and services within Aberdeen City and Shire to meet the strategy’s objectives. A large focus of this approach is on delivering significant improvements to public transport that will increase usage and bring economic, environmental and social inclusion benefits. This reflects consultation feedback which pressed for significant investment in public transport to enable more people to use it. Walking and cycling are important means of getting around, both in their own right and in providing linkages with other modes. The strategy also seeks to improve the standard Achieving an hourly frequency between of the strategic road network, tackling pinch Aberdeen and Inverness is an aspiration points, improving junctions and supporting within the Scottish Government’s High Level road safety. Output Statement for rail. This would enable regular, reliable services from towns such The construction of the Aberdeen Western as Inverurie and Insch as well as offering Peripheral Route during the lifetime of the opportunity to develop additional the strategy facilitates the delivery of services as part of the Aberdeen Crossrail complementary transport measures, as project and open a new station at Kintore. originally set out in the Modern Transport This would require investment in passing System. These will enable the benefits to loops, line speed improvements and new be “locked in”, to ensure that traffic does signalling. not increase to fill the additional capacity created. This will be achieved by introducing Developing the existing passenger rail an integrated package of measures. network in the north east will increase accessibility to employment, education Rail (IC1) and essential services and provide a real alternative to the car. The reopening of Laurencekirk station, which was promoted The north east’s rail network, while by Aberdeenshire Council, is now being limited, can play a significant part in the delivered by Transport Scotland with development of the region and improving Nestrans’ funding support. This will offer transport links within and to/from the area. significant economic and accessibility External rail links are covered in section benefits to the town and the Mearns area EC1 and improvements to rail lines serving when it opens. the north east will complement proposals to enhance rail opportunities within the region.

The railway between Aberdeen and Inverness is single track which severely constrains the frequency of services and affects journey times and reliability. improved servicesthrough Aberdeen Detailed feasibilitystudiesintodelivering stations. to railnetworkthroughopeningadditional further objectivehasbeentowidenaccess mode sharefortraveltoworkjourneys. A Aberdeenshire, withaviewtogrowingrail’s into Aberdeen andDycefromstationsin been onimprovingcommuterrailservices additional stations. The primaryfocushas Nestrans areaandexploredthepotentialfor of improvinglocalrailserviceswithinthe for anumberofyearsinvestigatedways Nestrans anditsconstituentCouncilshave Aberdeen Crossrail transport corridors. alignments willcontinuetobepreservedas solutions forthesecorridors. The formerrail more costeffective tofocus onbus-based remaining aspirations,itwasconsidered supported bysomerespondents.While and Banchorywereconsidered, opening formerrailwaylinestoPeterhead In developingthestrategymeritsofre- and benefits.Fromthese, itisclearthat a rangeofoptionsandassessing theircosts Crossrail havebeenundertaken, exploring Plan. will besetoutintheNorthEastRail Action improving therailnetworkinnortheast be improved. The detailofourapproachto around 2014,whichwillenableservicesto Aberdeen andInvernesswillbedelivered that improvementstothelinebetween Output SpecificationforRailindicates The ScottishGovernment’sHighLevel work onre-openingKintorestation. and wearealreadyprogressinginitial the December2008timetablechange are anticipatedtobedeliveredthrough Additional servicestoandfromInverurie improvements. Scotland andrailindustrytosecure closely withthelocalauthorities, Transport the northeastandwewillcontinuetowork support forimprovinglocalrailservicesin investment. This strategy reaffirms Nestrans a waythatcapitalisesonexistingplanned be deliveredonanincrementalbasisandin improved railservicescanonlyrealistically

p63

Through continuedinvolvement inthe higher thanaverageaccidentstatistics. investment allocatedtositesorrouteswith network willbekeptunderreviewwith addressed. Inaddition,thesafetyof is improvedandcapacitypinchpointsare will beneededtoensurethatroadquality enhancements totheregion’sroadnetwork Nestrans believesthatfurther safety. implications forjourneytimes,reliabilityand are pinchpointswithin Aberdeen, with are largelysinglecarriagewayandthere roads tothenorthandwestofCity south of Aberdeen, the A90 and A96 trunk While thereiscontinuousdualcarriageway Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen CityCouncils. area aremanagedandmaintainedby AWPR. OthermajorroutesintheNestrans responsibility followingcompletionofthe Aberdeen willreverttolocalauthority however thecurrenttrunkroadthrough the responsibilityof Transport Scotland, the northeast, A90 andthe A96, are European Network. The trunkroadsthrough Scotland andEuropethroughthe Trans- east andconnectstheregiontorestof principal transportlinkswithinthenorth The strategicroadnetworkprovidesthe scheduled forcompletionin2012. included withintheReferenceCaseandare of Balmedie-Tipperty onthe A90 north,are committed schemesincludingthedualling across thenortheast. This route,andother economy andsustainablecommunities and ruralroutescontributetothe traffic levelsandemissionsonurban across andaround Aberdeen, reduce Route (AWPR) tofacilitatemovements case foran Aberdeen Western Peripheral The Modern Transport Systemmadethe Road Improvements(IC2) network. will betargetedtoappropriate areasofthe Survey project,maintenance expenditure Scottish RoadMaintenance Condition Journey timesandreliabilitycanbe Improvements) Strategic Roads(QualityandCapacity non-users. the benefitstheyprovidetousersand their economiccontribution,butalsofor improvements areimportant,notjustfor for pedestrians,soroadandfootway surfaces canenhancesafety, including improve ambienceforresidentsandbetter and cardrivers.Reducednoiselevels users, lorriesanddeliveryvehicles cyclists, motorcyclists,publictransport journeys forallroadusers,including Improvements totheroadnetworkenhance Projects Review. feed intothenationalStrategic Transport A96 Aberdeen-Inverness corridor, whichwill HITRANS onamulti-modalappraisalofthe worked with Transport Scotland and also beencompleted.Nestranshas Access to Aberdeen fromtheSouthhas A studysetting outoptionsforimproving as setoutinitsLocal Transport Strategy. improve Access to Aberdeen fromtheNorth Aberdeen CityCouncil’swiderapproachto Haudagain Roundaboutinsupportof to relievecongestionatthe A90/A96 Transport Scotlandtoidentifymeasures City Council, Aberdeenshire Counciland Nestrans iscurrentlyworkingwith Aberdeen routes. diverting ontoinappropriatealternative quality arisingfromstandingtrafficor social costs,particularlyduetopoorair carries economiccosts,butalsohealthand capacity constraintsatjunctions. This affected bypoorqualityalignments and

p65 The following parts of the road network are Strategic Roads (Safety Priorities) considered by Nestrans to be priorities for action. The Delivery Plan sets out in more Improving road safety is a key objective of detail individual projects, which will require this strategy and in addition to addressing to be delivered in partnership with Transport capacity constraints, there are locations and Scotland and the local authorities. corridors where improvements are required to improve road safety. This involves • Capacity and journey time addressing concerns at particular locations improvements on the A90 between Ellon and corridor improvements to provide and Peterhead; increased safe overtaking opportunities • Capacity and journey time to cater for different types of traffic and improvements on the A96 west of reduce driver frustration. Nestrans will work Inverurie; in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, • Upgrading the A90/A96 Haudagain Aberdeenshire Council and Transport junction including the third Don crossing; Scotland in order to improve the safety of • Improving traffic flow on the access to the existing road network by supporting Aberdeen from the south, including the measures such as increased lighting, A90 at the Bridge of Dee and the A956 more pedestrian facilities (particularly to corridor; enable safe crossing of trunk roads) and • Addressing capacity constraints at trunk infrastructure upgrades at key locations and and local road junctions serving towns in corridors. Aberdeenshire. The following parts of the road network Particular consideration will be given to a have been identified by Nestrans as corridor approach, which will identify priority priorities for action. The Delivery Plan sets corridors or routes for action, linked to out in more detail individual projects, which the strategy for land use contained in the will require to be delivered in partnership Structure Plan and economic development with Transport Scotland and the local opportunities. For instance the A90 authorities. Peterhead-Bridge of Don corridor to support innovative energy industry proposals being • A90 south of Aberdeen - more grade- promoted by ACSEF. separated junctions at key locations, such as Laurencekirk, improved Local roads improvements are not alignments and reduced central-reserve specifically included in the Regional crossings; Transport Strategy although in many • A90 north of Aberdeen - junction, cases these projects provide benefit to alignment and overtaking opportunities; the strategic road network and contribute • A96 west of Inverurie - junction, towards strategic objectives. In such alignment, removal of constraints and instances, Nestrans will support local providing overtaking opportunities; authorities in bringing forward projects • A947 - further improvements through through their Local Transport Strategies. route actions; • A944 - further improvements through route actions; • A93 - further improvements through route actions; and • A92 – further improvements through route actions.

maintenance (overandabove existing Nestrans willhowever, supportprioritised Executive. between authoritiesandtheScottish regime butconsidersthistobeamatter authorities’ callsforahighermaintenance maintenance. Nestranssupportslocal assets, lightingandprovidingwinter significant sumsareinvestedinmaintaining a keyissuefortransportauthorities,and Maintenance ofthetransportnetworkis Prioritised Maintenance project. the likelybenefitsofsuchademonstration on theapproachtoBridgeofDeeand Vehicle laneonthe A90 StonehavenRoad to deliveranorthboundHighOccupancy study toidentifywhatwouldbenecessary Scotland thecommissioningofafeasibility City Councilwillprogresswith Transport other corridors.Nestransand Aberdeen this approachcouldbeexpandedto of cyclistsandpedestrians.Ifsuccessful, detriment tobusservicesandthesafety be importanttoensurethatthereisno transport andcyclists.Inparticularitwill impact onotherroadusers,includingpublic consideration willbegiventopotential put inplacepriortoimplementation.Careful enforcement measureswouldneedtobe to multipleoccupancyvehicles.Suitable existing buslanes,thatwouldgivepriority high occupancyvehiclelane,additionalto at leastonecorridorsuitablefortriallinga consult withkeystakeholderstoidentify reduce emissionsperperson.Nestranswill space tobemoreefficientlyusedand especially ofprivatecarswillenableroad Higher occupancyofvehiclesand Car ShareLanes encourage walking, oncycleroutes, on high levelsoffootwaymaintenance may example toenhancesafety orwhere to theaimsofthisstrategy, includingfor statutory obligations)which couldcontribute across thenortheast. ensure higherstandardofpublictransport facilitate safecyclingormotorcycling,to routes requiringadditionalmaintenanceto areas, suchashealthservices. and ensurebetteraccessibility topriority buses willaddresssocial exclusionissues across theregion.Better accessforallto performance andqualityofbusservices to increasebuspatronageandenhancethe east. Nestranswillworkwithbusoperators of householdsinsomepartsthenorth without accesstoacar, which isoverathird socially-necessary transportforpeople road transportandareessentialinproviding effective andefficientformofmotorised effectively. Busservicesprovidethemost other pollutantsandutiliseroadspacemore thereby reducecarbonemissionsand north east,toencouragemodalshiftand improve busservicesthroughoutthe A keystrandofthisstrategywillbeto Bus Improvements(IC3)

p67 Improving Quality Improving Reliability

The quality of bus services in terms of The Bus Action Plan will set out the frequency, reliability and vehicle capacity necessary measures to maintain and and comfort are crucial elements in improve levels of bus reliability on key providing a high quality public transport routes in the region. Reliability is important network that meets the needs of people in terms of passenger confidence, and business in the north east. High-quality operational efficiency and integration. information, ease of interchange, simple Bus priority measures help buses keep and integrated ticketing and excellent to timetable and provide journey times customer service also play an important role that are competitive with car travel. This in making bus travel more attractive and can be achieved through bus lanes, but increasing bus use. increasingly other engineering and traffic management measures can also be In recent years Nestrans, the local effective in ensuring bus journey times and authorities and bus operators have reliability. worked in partnership through the Local Authorities/Bus Operators Forum (LABOF) Nestrans will support measures which offer to deliver improvements on a quality improved journey times and reliability for corridor basis. This involves complementing public transport, where this can be achieved operator investment in new vehicles with without causing undue penalty to other infrastructure improvements such as new road users. This will build on previous waiting shelters, raised kerbs to ease investment by Aberdeen City Council in boarding and real-time information. We bus priority measures on key routes in the will encourage further fleet enhancements form of bus lanes, bus gates (giving buses and piloting of more environmentally- priority at key locations) and upgraded friendly fuels. It is proposed to continue traffic signals which can give priority to this partnership approach, and priorities late-running buses. Nestrans will work in for future action will be established in the partnership with Aberdeen City Council, Bus Action Plan, which will be developed Aberdeenshire Council, and bus operators following the approval of the RTS. We to review the effectiveness of existing will also work with operators and local bus priorities in the north east and further authorities to identify improvements to measures will be set out in the Bus Action existing routes and potential new services. Plan and Delivery Plan.

The bus will remain the main form of This work will complement the new public transport in the north east. For bus junctions associated with the AWPR patronage potential to be fully realised, to contribute to locking in the benefits. it is essential that the image that the bus Nestrans will also explore the opportunities currently presents and the performance it for introducing bus priorities to support new delivers is enhanced. This strategy aims to services providing passage on corridors improve the reliability of bus services and throughout the north east where there reduce their journey times relative to car. is currently inadequate public transport provision. projects. economic criteriaforconsideringmajor longer termifnationalpolicychangesthe review andcouldbeimplementedinthe but remainaspirationstobekeptunder not includedasmeasureswithintheRTS, return forinvestment. Trams aretherefore expensive withoutprovidingsufficient this optionislikelytobeprohibitively from examplesinotherpartsoftheUK, as partofthestrategy’sdevelopment, Package. Whiletramswereconsidered system shouldformpartofthePreferred Some consulteessuggestedthatatram Bus Action Plan. form ofBRT willbeexploredinitiallyinthe services. The potentialforintroducingany delivering improvedqualityandreliabilityof vehicles isamoreadvancedwayof or guidedbuswaysandhighspecification Bus Rapid Transit, utilisingconventional Bus RapidT ransit choices. Newedgeofcitysitesonthe A96 air qualityandprovidingwidertransport of reducingcongestion,improvingurban to theCity. This willhavebenefitsinterms linked tothe AWPR, enablingeasyaccess of Park&Rideservicesaround Aberdeen, proposals areforthecompletionofaring parking demandintheCityCentre.Future on approachestotheCity, andfreeup They contributetoreducingtrafficinand growing resourceoffering travelchoice. of successbutareanimportantand facilities haveenjoyedvaryingdegrees Bridge ofDonandKingswells. These Bus-based Park&RidesitesexistatEllon, Park andRide accessible to disabledpeople. important to ensurethatinformation is the publicandprivatesectors. Itisalso require strongpartnership workingbetween Delivering improvedtravel informationwill and expansionofReal Time Information. be improved,includingthe development set outhowinformationprovisioncould in Aberdeenshire. The Bus Action Planwill at keylocationsinboththeCityandtowns planning terminalshavebeenintroduced almost tenyearsandelectronicjourney been inoperation Aberdeen Cityfor to usethebus.Real Time Information has and akeyingredientinattractingpeople is avitalpartofhighqualitybusnetwork Accurate andaccessibletravelinformation Information Park andRidesitesimprovedservices. detailed programmefordeliveringadditional March 2008. The DeliveryPlansetsoutour Access fromtheSouthstudy, completedin in December2006andtheoutcomeof informed byastrategicreviewcompleted to developingParkandRidehasbeen ticketing andpromotion.Ourapproach would alsoneedtobesupportedthrough at northeastrailstations.ParkandRide at Banchoryandthroughexpandedparking by aninter-urbanParkandRideonthe A93 and A90 (South)wouldbecomplemented

p69 Demand Responsive Transport (IC4) Community Transport

Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) Community transport services are operated services provide an important role by filling by voluntary sector organisations and in gaps in the conventional public transport provide services which promote social network and can provide important links inclusion, particularly in rural areas. Utilising to conventional bus networks or Park & a range of vehicles from cars to mini Ride facilities. Existing services such as buses and special vehicles, these offer A2B in Aberdeenshire and Dial-a-Bus opportunities for travel for people who may in Aberdeen City are popular and offer be unable to access conventional public travel opportunities to people who would transport. This enhanced mobility and the otherwise have limited options. specialised service provided by community transport operators has a big impact on From April 2008, local authorities will be quality of life for many people. responsible for funding DRT services. The Bus Action Plan will look at how DRT links Nestrans fully recognises the important in with other conventional bus services role these play in improving access to and opportunities for further development. essential services, particularly for those The Health and Transport Action Plan living in remote rural areas. The Health also recognises that DRT could play an and Transport Action Plan recognises that increased role in providing access to community transport plays an important healthcare facilities. Nestrans has already part in providing formal and informal access supported the expansion of DRT in the to healthcare. It seeks to ensure that region through providing capital funding for community transport providers have the the purchase of minibuses and will continue necessary funding to continue to provide to work with both local authorities to further and develop these services. From April develop DRT in line with their local transport 2008, funding for community transport strategies. projects will rest with local authorities and Nestrans will work with both Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils to support community transport in the region. place competitivenessofthenortheast. and playanimportantroleinsupportingthe Interchanges actasgatewaystotheregion and transferbetweenservicesmodes. enable peopletoaccesspublictransport from busandrailstationstolocalstops, transport. High quality interchanges, ranging been proventoencourageuseofpublic between different servicesandmodeshas Effective andseamlessinterchange Transport Interchange(IC5) resources etc. with minimumimpactoncongestion, the accessibilityandbenefitsofservice, in anefficientandeffective waytomaximise system enablestaxiservicestobeprovided We willseektoensurethatthelicensing initiatives thatarepromotedintheregion. is fullyintegratedwithallthetransport network andwewillensurethattheirrole important partinthenortheasttransport Nestrans alsorecognisesthattaxisplayan T throughout the northeast,bothphysically of highqualitytransport interchanges Nestrans willsupportthe introduction Interchanges axis regional gatewaysandinterchanges. The Street in Aberdeen’s citycentreactas The railandbusstationsatGuild Aberdeen CityCentreInterchange the airport,railwaystationsandports. Aberdeenshire andtransporthubssuchas Aberdeen, keyservicecentreswithin urban centresaroundtheregionincluding in particular. Prioritieswillbeinthekey of theneedsolderanddisabledpeople important thatinterchangefacilitiesmeet one meansoftransportareminimised.Itis the problemscausedbyutilisingmorethan and welcomingfacilitiesbyensuring by thedevelopmentofaccessible,secure the ferryterminal. retail andcivicbuildings, aswellalinkto connection ofthebusand railstationswith bus servicein Aberdeen toimprove the feasibility ofprovidingacitycentreshuttle Nestrans hasalsoinvestigatedthe will formpartofthepackagemeasures. information andfacilitiesatidentifiedpoints “interchange” busshelters,additional from onebustoanother. Funding of where passengersmayregularlychange locations intheCityCentre,particularly to seekenhanceinterchangesatother Council throughitsLocal Transport Strategy Nestrans willworkwith Aberdeen City connections toUnionStreetareimproved. interchange arefullyrealisedandthat for creatingahighqualitytransport developer toensurethattheopportunities these modes.Nestranswillworkwiththe and enableeasyinterchangebetween to theferryterminalandrailwaystation rail passengers,additionalcarparkingclose enhanced travellingexperienceforbusand leisure development. This willoffer an Street transportinterchange,retailand is currentlyunderwayaspartoftheGuild redevelopment ofbothrailandbusstations

p71 Aberdeenshire Towns and funding is available for improvements. In Aberdeen City Centre, proposals to Interchanges in Aberdeenshire towns enhance the City environment include play an important role, in particular pedestrianisation of Union Street, whilst through enabling people to connect there may be opportunities to build on from local to longer-distance services the excellent work done through the and contributing to the vitality of the Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership to town centre. Aberdeenshire Council improve the retail offer of towns by is currently implementing its Towns environmental improvements, including Interchanges project, which comprises a pedestrian priority. Nestrans will support range of improvements including a new Local Transport Strategies in bringing bus interchange at Peterhead (opened forward proposals for improvements to in February 2008), an integrated rail/bus/ walking and cycling facilities. In addition, taxi interchange at Inverurie Station and the following proposals support the an inter-urban Park and Ride site on the encouragement of getting more people edge of Banchory. Nestrans will work with walking and cycling within the north east. Aberdeenshire Council to promote and develop further interchange improvements Pedestrian environment in support of its Local Transport Strategy. Most journeys begin or end with a walk Ticketing – and for many short journeys it is a quick, simple and healthy way of getting around. The development of integrated ticketing is Nestrans will continue to promote and seen as a key contribution to making public support enhancements to the existing transport use easier. Nestrans will work pedestrian environment throughout with local authorities, operators and others the north east, including investment in (utilising the existing Local Authorities Bus pedestrian priorities, pedestrian crossing Operators Forum) to ensure the introduction points, central reserves and pavement build of a system of through tickets for public outs to enhance the safety and experience transport use, enabling easier interchange of walking. It is also important to ensure and improving the integration between good pedestrian access to public transport different public transport operators and services and interchanges. modes. We will promote and support new initiatives to enhance transport interchange Low Speed Zones through integrated ticketing including the development of an integrated smartcard Nestrans will work in partnership with for travel on any public transport within the Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire north east. Council, and Grampian Police to promote speed reduction schemes across north Walking & Cycling (IC6) east, particularly at locations where conflicts arise between vulnerable road users and Increasing the proportion of journeys general traffic. Schools have already had undertaken on foot and by bicycle will 20mph zones implemented and we will work make a significant contribution to achieving with partners to ensure the effectiveness of the strategy’s accessibility, health and such zones, promote the implementation of environmental objectives. Walking Homezones or other initiatives which give and cycling facilities are increasingly slower modes a higher degree of belonging incorporated into the design of all transport and improve safety. Nestrans will support improvements and new developments Local Transport Strategies in considering in partnershipwithlocal authorities, user enhancements totheexistingcyclenetwork Nestrans willpromoteandsupportmajor Cycling Network sustainable modes. offer potentialformoretripstobemadeby slowing traffic,particularlywherethiswill safety, thisRTS supportstheprincipleof management andtrafficcalmingtoimprove the opportunitiesafforded bytraffic developing safe, convenientandenjoyable conflicts withothertraffic. Prioritiesfor appropriate andminimising potential given tocreatingoff roadrouteswhere groups andSustrans,with consideration east. The Airport Surface Access Strategy, access totheairportfromacrossnorth new linkroadwillsignificantlyimprove Western PeripheralRouteandassociated across theCityandShire. The Aberdeen Airport andthekeyeconomiccentres surface connectionbetween Aberdeen increasingly importanttoimprovethe As theairportdevelops,itbecomes Airport Surf and theCity. adjacent tothemainarterialapproaches around Aberdeen’s citycentre,aswell Aberdeenshire’s townsandvillages,in cycling routeswillincludeinandbetween busway forall orpartofitsroute. airport, whichwouldutilise adedicated feasibility ofaBusRapid Transit linktothe Longer term,wewillinvestigate the service andeffective busprioritymeasures. bus services,suchasabrandedairport out moredetailedproposalsforimproving Action PlanandRTS DeliveryPlanwillset airport’s Surface Access Strategy. The Bus bus usetoachievethetargetsin operators andlocalauthoritiestoincrease Nestrans willworkwiththeairport,bus airport comparedwithotherairportsand low modeshareoftraveltoorfromthe service. Busescurrentlyaccountforavery although thereisnodedicatedairport services whichpassthroughtheairport, The airportisservedbyanumberofbus Bus Services measures forbusesandtaxis. and inparticularlookingatprovidingpriority flow ontheapproachroadstoairport undertaking astudyintoimprovingtraffic and Aberdeen CityCouncilarealso passengers. Nestrans,BAA Aberdeen improving thechoicesavailablefor been implementedoverrecentyears, which hasrecentlybeenreviewed, ace Connetions(IC7)

p73 Rail Services Nestrans will work with the ports and roads authorities to ensure adequate road links Nestrans is working with Transport Scotland to harbours and ports, and will identify and the rail industry to increase the number localised traffic engineering improvements of trains serving Dyce station, close to in the vicinity of the harbours, particularly Aberdeen Airport. This provides a direct Aberdeen, Peterhead and Fraserburgh, rail connection to Edinburgh, Glasgow which could improve access, linking into and Inverness, as well as stations in the measures to promote maritime links. Nestrans area. In addition, as discussed in section IC5 on As there is currently no scheduled public Interchange, there is a proposal to ensure transport link between the station and improved connections between the ferry the airport. Nestrans is working with the terminal and Aberdeen City Centre by the Dyce TMO and other stakeholders to fill provision of a shuttle bus service, which will this missing link through the provision also offer opportunities for interchange with of a high quality, low floor, shuttle bus bus and rail services. service between Dyce Railway Station and Aberdeen Airport. This service could also provide connections to the business and industrial areas close to the airport. We will look at what might be achieved in the longer term to improve access by rail in the Rail Action Plan.

Nestrans recognises the role of the airport in serving a wide catchment, and will ensure that surface access options are available from key towns and settlements, Park & Ride sites and via interchange to enable better access generally.

Port Surface Connections (IC8)

The Strategy recognises the importance of the region’s harbours and ports and EC4 identifies opportunities for further maritime improvements towards enhancing external links and economic performance.

The Port Surface Connections section within the Internal Connections Strategy seeks to ensure that the ports are adequately served. Aberdeen Harbour has an intermodal (sea/rail) facility at Waterloo Quay with a rail link to the national rail network. opened atCraiginchesand RaithsFarmin New railfreightfacilitieshaverecently autumn 2007. the area. This workwascompletedin maritime-sized containertraffictoaccess Scotland to Aberdeen andElgin, enabling on thelinefromMossendinCentral commitment toremovegaugeconstraints was successfulingainingGovernment Scotland RailFreightDevelopmentGroup the region.In2005,NorthEastof supporting economicdevelopmentin environmentally-friendly modeoftransport, of railfreightasasustainableand Nestrans supportsthedevelopment Rail Freight proposed. examples offreightactionswhichare The followingmeasuresareincludedas identify issuesandprioritiesforaction. detailed northeastfreightactionplan,to and businessonthedevelopmentofa Nestrans willworkwiththehaulageindustry components ofthestrategy. road tomoresustainablemodesarekey the opportunitiesformovinggoodsfrom in freightmovementandalsomaximising rail) whereverpossible.Ensuringreliability modes ofgoodstransport(notablyseaand the shifttowardsenvironmentally-friendly improve journeytimereliabilityandpromote reduce journeytimesforgoodsmovement, Western PeripheralRoute,wewillseekto road improvementssuchasthe Aberdeen movement whichwillbeachievedthrough In additiontothebenefitsforfreight of goodsisakeyaimthisstrategy. The efficientandeffective movement Freight (IC9) yards alsoexist atInverurieandHuntly. is beingexpanded,and smaller freight Waterloo Quay in Aberdeen Harbour, which There isanintermodal(sea/rail) facilityat Aberdeen toreplacethe GuildStreetyard.

terminal capacitywhereappropriate. further gaugeenhancementsandadditional further developmentofrailfreight,including the longer-term,Nestranswillsupport of newopenaccessfreightterminals.In if necessary, promotingthedevelopment to encourageuseofrailfreight,including quality andinthebestlocationsisavailable that sufficientterminalcapacity, oftheright partnership withkeystakeholderstoensure Freight Action Plan,Nestranswillworkin of terminalswithintheregion. Through the will requireadequatecapacityandquality To maximisethepotentialofthisinvestment possible without removingpartofexisting affording priority tolorrytraffic,where consideration totheappropriateness of be lockedin. To thisend,we willgive the benefitsafforded bythe AWPR can or reliabilityenhanced,particularly where to wherejourneytimescanbereduced of goodstrafficbygivingconsideration seek toimprovetheefficientmovement terminal facilities.Nestranswilltherefore movement isnormallyrequiredtoorfrom trunk partofajourneyisbyseaorrail,road majority movebyroad,andevenwherethe the natureofmovementgoods, many businessesinthenortheast.Dueto of deliveriesarekeytotheoperations The efficientmovementofgoodsandease HGV Priority

p75 roads or in conjunction with additional road capacity. In the short term, we will consult with key stakeholders to identify and implement a trial route, where there is potential for strategic HGV traffic to benefit from more reliable journey times. Careful consideration will be given to potential impact on other road users, including public transport and cyclists. In particular it will be important to ensure that there is no detriment to bus services and the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. Consideration will also be given to the need for secure lorry parking facilities. Nestrans and Aberdeen City Council are planning to undertake a study to investigate the benefit of a southbound Large Vehicle Lane on Wellington Road.

Powered Two Wheelers (IC10)

Nestrans recognises the benefits of motorcycling as an efficient use of road space and a relatively environmentally- friendly mode of transport offering great freedom of movement, including for those The Strategic Policy Framework whose choices may otherwise be limited. This strategy supports safe and responsible The policy framework sets the boundaries motorcycling and will encourage training and context for all other strategic measures. and support facilities for powered two It is intended to set the key cross cutting wheeler users, particularly secure parking in themes of the RTS and to define the overall town and city centres. strategic thrust of the RTS. The framework is intended – over the life of the RTS - to Secure motorcycle parking within town change how people travel, how often they and city centres will be encouraged and travel and how safely they travel. supported, and facilities for Powered Two Wheelers will be implemented as The Health and Transport Action Plan, appropriate. Motorcycle training schemes jointly produced between Nestrans and and other marketing to advise drivers of the NHS Grampian recognises the important safety aspects of vulnerable road users will role that active travel plays in promoting be important in ensuring that any increase healthier lifestyles and outlines priorities for in the use of Powered Two Wheelers can be action. It also seeks to address negative achieved without a corresponding increase impacts of the transport system on human in accidents. health and enable better planning of transport and health services, to improve access to these facilities.

The following are the measures within this element of the RTS: through theNestranscarsharescheme. to activelysupportandpromotecarsharing sustainable travelmeasures,andcontinue match funding to organisations to implement Travel GrantScheme,whichprovides awareness bycontinuingtheSustainable and encourage Travel Plansandtravel organisations. Nestranswillalsosupport opportunities todevelop TMOs orsimilar (TMO) andworktoidentifyfurther Transportation ManagementOrganisation Nestrans willcontinuetosupporttheDyce In developingdirectinterventions, by offering freeadviceand assistance. both publicandprivatesector Travel Plans and continuetosupportthedevelopmentof promote thedisseminationofbestpractice In developing Travel Plans,Nestranswill 2008. Planning Strategywillbereviewedlaterin Nestrans willworktodevelop. The Travel Interventions and Travel Awareness which key areasforaction; Travel Plans,Direct Strategy in2006,whichidentifiesthree Nestrans developeda Travel Planning lifestyles. region andpromotingactivehealthy environmental impactoftransportinthe in encouragingmodalshift,reducingthe recognises theimportantrolethiscanplay transport andcarsharingthisstrategy encouraging walking,cycling,public travel awareness.Nestransisactively committed topromoting Travel Plansand the worldaroundusandNestransis How wetravelhasabigimpacton Travel A Promoting Travel Planningand wareness (TB1) Promoting ActveTravel (TB2) across thenortheast. improved communicationswillbesupported Message Signingandotherformsof travel awareness.I-kiosks,Variable appropriate publishliteraturepromoting national andinternationalevents,when travel awareness,encourageparticipationin stakeholders tosupportefforts topromote the ScottishExecutiveandother will workwithotherRTPs, localauthorities, In developingtravelawareness,Nestrans blood pressure,highcholesterollevels of risktohealthequivalenthavinghigh Research suggeststhatinactivityhaslevels travel. walking andcyclingencourageactive and otherstohighlightthehealthbenefitsof Nestrans, NHSGrampian,localauthorities out aseriesofactionstobeimplementedby The Healthand Transport Action Plansets short trips. incorporated intodailyjourneys,particularly pace whichsuitstheindividualandcanbe cycling canbeenjoyedbymostpeopleata days aweektobenefithealth. Walking and total of30minutesaday, forfiveormore Experts recommendbeingactivefora and qualityoflife. can makeasignificantcontributiontohealth journeys undertakenonfootandbybicycle or smoking.Increasingtheproportionof

p77

bus usethroughlesseningtheimpactof identify anyopportunitiesforincentivising will workinpartnershipwithstakeholdersto cost, reliabilityandconvenience.Nestrans be madebasedonperceptionsofrelative In selectingatravelmode,choicewill Bus Incentives the framework. There arethreesub-elementstothispartof Incentives andEnforem(I1) Changing Choicesthrough improve roadsafety. appropriate theseandothermeasuresto young people.Nestranswillsupportwhere of communicatingsafetymessagesto proved averypopularandeffective means as the“SafeDrive,Stay Alive” events,have section. Recenteducationalinitiatives,such speed andtrafficlawiscoveredinthenext pedestrians andcyclists.Enforcementof improve safetyforallroadusers,including connections strategyincludesmeasuresto encouragement measures. The internal engineering, education,enforcementand Road safetyispromotedthrough Forum. a regionallevelthroughRoadSafety road safetyandthereisjointworkingat and FireRescueserviceleadon authorities, inpartnershipwiththePolice network, includingpublictransport.Local and securityforallusersofthetransport will supportmeasuresthatpromotesafety an importantpartofthisstrategy. Nestrans Improving thesafetyandsecurityoftravelis Improving Safety(TB3) We willalsoencourage uptakeof‘salary or jobseeker subsidiesmaybepossible. be acasetoextendthe scheme locally, year oldsdiscountedtravel, theremay the nationalschemetoenable 16to18 fare levels.Forexample, inadditionto which enableemployeestosavemoneyon sacrifice’ schemesbymajoremployers, co-ordinating commercialandsubsidised optimum mixofefficient services– partnership withbusoperators toensurethe Nestrans willcontinueto supportthis facilities. shelters, priorities,informationandother complement localauthorityinvestmentin bus operatorsinvestinginnewvehiclesto in theregionoverpastdecade,with resulted inimprovedqualitybusservices Authorities BusOperatorsForum,has Public Transport, overseenby theLocal The existingQualityPartnershipfor Punctuality ImprovementPartnerships. agreements withbusoperatorsand establishment ofnewpartnership high qualitybusservicesthroughthe Bus Partnershipscanbeusedtosecure Bus Partnerships developed furtherintheBus Action Plan. to lowerfares. This approach willbe leading tomorepassengers,inturn encourage avirtuousspiralofinvestment measures shouldbeidentifiedandusedto costs) gainedbyprioritiesorother operation includingreducingoperating the benefits(informofenhancedbus the principleofpassingontopassengers season tickets.Byworkingwithoperators,

p79 bus services with school, health and voluntary transport groups (and others including car share schemes) to ensure effective connections to hospitals, work/ study, and community facilities.

Local authorities currently subsidise bus services which are not commercially viable, and will continue to support socially- necessary services. There will also be scope for Nestrans, local authorities and other partners to help introduce new bus services by providing funding to establish new services where there is currently not considered to be a strong business case for operating a commercial service.

The Bus Action Plan will set out how existing partnership working could further Using Enforcement (IE2) develop. Legislation already exists whose Alternative Fuels - Incentives enforcement would improve safety and reduce transports impacts on the Petrol and diesel fuels dominate the road environment. There are three key areas transport sector and while both these where better enforcement will be especially fuels and vehicle engines have become effective in achieving environmental cleaner and more efficient, concern benefits by ensuring that a higher level continues to grow over the costs, supply, of compliance with regulations exists. and environmental damage associated with Enforcement of parking regulations is them. The development of alternative fuels, considered under IE3 Parking. such as hydrogen fuel cells and biodiesel, is continuing to gather pace and the north Enforcement of Vehicle Exhaust Emissions east seeks to be a leading player in the development of new energy sources. Only a small proportion of vehicles have non-compliant exhaust emissions but Nestrans will investigate the feasibility these can have a disproportionate effect of promoting the supply and usage of on air quality, often in areas where people alternative fuels in the north east: subject tend to congregate, such as town and city to Scottish Executive agreement, this may centres. Local authorities have a statutory include a range of financial incentives to duty to deal with air quality where European fuel suppliers and if possible also to users. standards are predicted to be exceeded, This would support initiatives to promote but Nestrans will work in partnership with establish Aberdeen City and Shire as an the Vehicle and Operators Services Agency, alternative energy capital. Councils and Grampian Police to promote the effective and visible enforcement of emissions in city and town centres and elsewhere in the north east to ensure UK and European air quality standards are achieved. reducing speed-relatedincidentsinthe activities inenforcingspeedlimitsand Safety CameraPartnership’s(NESCAMP) the northeast,supportingNorthEast of aCasualtyReductionPartnershipfor promote andsupporttheestablishment carbon emissions.Nestranswilllookto suggests thiscouldalsosignificantlyreduce users andpedestrians,research types ofroadwillimprovesafetyfor Stricter adherencetospeedlimitsonall Enforcement ofSpeed east. out successful initiativesacrossthe north high casualtyrecords)with aviewtorolling trials (forcompletesections ofrouteswith implementation ofaverage speedcamera north east.Nestransalso supportsthe Council topreparearegion-wideparking Aberdeen CityCounciland Aberdeenshire Nestrans willworkinpartnershipwith Parking StrategyfortheNorthEast this strategy. support theothermeasurescontainedin terms ofnationalmaximumstandardsand and otherstoreflectnationalguidancein Nestrans willworkwithlocalauthorities element inconsideringmodalchoiceand strategy. Parkingpolicywillbeanimportant demand andisanimportantplankofthis Parking isakeyelementofmanaging Parking (IE3) community supportfortheproposals. will involvepublicconsultationtoensure three partiesbeforeimplementationand The ParkingStrategywillbeagreedbyall issues relatingtocostsandenforcement. parks, supply/demandinspecificareasand such asquality, locationandsafetyofcar control whichwillinfluencemodalchoice, Strategy byconsideringaspectsofparking complement theRegional Transport to thecar. The ParkingStrategywill and encouragegreateruseofalternatives management byremovingobstructions achieve safetyobjectives,supporttraffic while usingparkingmeasurestohelp in parkingpolicyacrossthenortheast strategy thatwillprovideconsistency

p81 Enforcement of Parking vehicles, and that effective, cleaner fuel technologies are rapidly adopted in the Nestrans will work in partnership with region. Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council and Grampian Police to identify Nestrans will initially investigate the prioritised areas for parking enforcement potential benefits of establishing a parking throughout the north east to ensure public club in the north east that offers discounted transport movements and road safety are parking to members with low emission not compromised by illegal parking acts. A vehicles or car share club agreements. high priority will be enforcement of parking The scheme would help optimise the use restrictions which have been introduced of existing on street and off street parking to support road safety and strategic traffic capacity (for example members may be movements, such as bus lanes, cycle able to park in most convenient locations routes and where inconsiderate parking can or to park all-day in areas currently time cause obstructions. limited) and contribute towards lowering the levels of emissions in the north east. Small Vehicle and HOV Parking Incentives Nestrans would propose to manage this scheme through the existing

www.nestranscarshare.com website. Nestrans recognises that the car will continue to be the mode of choice or In the first instance this initiative would take necessity for many journeys, and will the form of a pilot to test its suitability, with therefore seek to change choices about a view to rolling out this initiative across car use and purchase, so that more use most of the north east during the next 3 – 5 is made of smaller and more fuel efficient years, as an integral part of the region-wide parking strategy. Figure 8.3:ProposalsforActon paragraphs. The followingtablesummarisestheproposalsforactiondiscussedinprevious Proposals forAction EC5 EC4 EC3 EC2 EC1 travel to/fromthenortheast Transport Scotland,railndustry, operators andotherstoenhance Sub trategy 1:Theexternalconnetionsstrategy –workingwth Connections byair Connections bysea Inter-regional BusandCoachtravel Rail linksandservices • • • • • • • • Strategic roads • • • Heathrow. Ensure protectionofslotsfor Aberdeen servicesatkeyhubssuchasLondon efficient, modernaircraft. Support runwayextensiontofacilitatewiderrange ofdestinationsandmore popular services. Support expansionofdirectdestinationsfrom Aberdeen andfrequencyof Development ofnewfreightandpassengerservices. Improved accessandfacilitiesatportsinterchangewithpassengerferries. Closer jointworkingthroughtheFreight Action Plan. possible linkstoParkandRidesites. the northeastandotherScottishtownscitiesfurtherafield.Explore Support furtherdevelopmentofinter-regionalbusandcoachtravelbetween from thenortheast,suchas A90 throughDundee. Overcoming constraintsonthenetworkthathaveadirectimpacttravelto/ east. Support forHighSpeedRailconnectionstoLondon,whichbenefitthenorth Improved traincapacity, comfortandreliability. Reducing journeytimestoEdinburghandGlasgow, andfurthersouth.

p83 Sub Strategy 2: The internal connections strategy – working with local authorities, Transport Scotland, rail industry, operators and others to enhance travel within the north east IC1 Rail • Increased frequency of services between Inverurie-Aberdeen-Stonehaven through Aberdeen Crossrail and improved services to Inverness. • Proposed new station at Kintore and further development of the rail system to be set out in the Rail Action Plan. IC2 Road Improvements • Strategic Roads Capacity improvements – tackle constraints on the A90 Ellon to Peterhead, A96 west of Inverurie, Haudagain junction, Access to Aberdeen from the south, and at other junctions serving Aberdeenshire towns. • Strategic Roads Safety improvements – alignment and junction improvements on A90 south. Overtaking, junction and alignment improvements on A90 north and A96. Route Action on A92, A93, A944, A947. • Car share lanes – trialling priority lanes for cars with multiple occupancy. • Prioritised maintenance for strategic routes, with particular benefits for public transport and sustainable modes. • Support Local Authorities in bringing forward LTS projects that contribute to strategic objectives • These build on the AWPR and dualling of A90 Balmedie-Tipperty which are being taken forward by Transport Scotland and are due to be completed in 2012. IC3 Bus Improvements • Quality bus corridor improvements to services and facilities. • Develop a Bus Action Plan to improve quality and reliability of services and set out proposals for extending bus priority measures. • Explore Rapid Transit options through the Bus Action Plan. • Expand Park and Ride provision linked to the development of the AWPR. • Improve information provision including expanded real-time information systems across Aberdeen City and Shire. IC4 Demand Responsive Transport • Support extension of ‘Dial-a-Bus’ and similar services to serve those unable to access conventional buses and to link with scheduled bus services. • Support community transport providers and encourage development of services. • Seek to ensure that taxis are provided in an efficient and effective way, which meets the needs of customers. IC5 Transport Interchange • Maximising interchange potential of Guild Street development and link with Union Street and support enhancement of other interchange points in Aberdeen. • Support further improvements to interchange facilities in Aberdeenshire towns, in particular building on developments at Inverurie, Peterhead and Banchory. • Work with operators to develop integrated ticketing across services and operators in the north east. TB3 TB2 TB1 T Sub trategy 3:Thestrategic polyframework IC10 IC9 IC8 IC7 IC6 ravel Behaviour • • • • • • • Improving Safety Promoting ActiveT Promoting T • • • Airport SurfaceConnections W • • • Port SurfaceConnections • Powered two-wheelers • • Freight • • alking andCycling Improve securityforusers ofpublictransportservicesandinterchanges. Enforcement andEncouragement measures. safety aspartofacomprehensive approachcoveringEducation,Engineering, Work withtheCouncils,EmergencyServicesand otherstopromoteroad benefits ofactivetravelandachieveobjectives for ahealthierpopulation. Work withNHSGrampianandCommunityPlanningPartnershipstopromote the Encourage morepeopletowalkandcycle often. Encourage increasedup-takeofcar-sharing Continue toprovidesupportthroughtheSustainable Travel GrantsScheme Implementation andfuturedevelopmentofNestrans’ Travel PlanningStrategy. into Aberdeen andonroutesthroughtheCity. Continued developmentofcycleroutesonkeywithin Aberdeenshire, environment forpedestriansandcyclistsincreasessafetychildren. Support theextensionoflowspeedzones,particularlywhereitimproves Urban realmimprovementstoimprovethepedestrianenvironment. and inparticulartofacilitateinterchangebetweendifferent modesoftransport. Support investmentinmeasurestoincreasesafetyandsecurityofwalking services totheairport,providingfaster, morereliablejourneytimes. In thelongerterm,explorepotentialforBusRapid Transit orenhancedrail Support ashuttlebusbetweenDycestationandtheairportterminal. Action PlanandDeliveryPlan. Encourage enhancedbusservicesto Aberdeen Airport tobedetailedintheBus powered two-wheelersandprovideappropriateparkingfacilities. Support measurestoimprovesafetyforusersofmotorcyclesandother HGVs andidentifyatrialrouteforimplementationofprioritymeasures. Investigate potentialformeasurestoprovidemorereliablejourneytimes future capacityforrailfreightexpansion. Support thedevelopmentofmodernintermodalfreightterminalstoprovide and railstations. Facilitate improvedinterchangebetweenthe Aberdeen ferryterminalandbus Support measurestoimproveaccessportfacilities. ravel PlanningandT ravel

ravel A wareness

p85 Incentives and Enforcement IE1 Changing Choices through Incentives & Partnerships • Work with operators to identify possible fare incentives to encourage increased bus use, particularly where this enables access to employment or training. • Through the Local Authorities/Bus Operators Forum (LABOF) continue to develop the Quality Partnership for Public Transport and consider introducing Punctuality Improvement Partnerships. • Support measures which encourage uptake of alternative fuels, particularly by public transport providers, to build on the north east’s role as an energy hub. IE2 Using Enforcement • Support enforcement of vehicle emission standards to improve air quality, in Aberdeen City Centre and towns across the north east. • Support measures to enforce speed limits to improve road safety and reduce carbon emissions. Promote the establishment of a Casualty Reduction Partnership to support NESCAMP’s activities and support the trial of average speed cameras. IE3 Parking • Develop a Regional Parking Strategy to ensure a coherent approach to parking controls and standards across the north east. • Support enforcement of parking restrictions, particularly where these exist to support strategic traffic movements, bus / pedestrian priority and road safety. • Investigate the potential for parking incentives to encourage use of small or multi-occupancy vehicles. Figure 8.4:MapofProosals location inthemapwhichformsFigure8.4. projects areindicatedbygeographical The keyinfrastructureschemesand From Strategy toImplementation reality. required actionstoturnthestrategyinto package. The nextsectionfocusesonthe objectives haveshownittobetheoptimal Detailed modellingandassessmentagainst Aberdeen City&Shirethroughto2021. the transportissuesandobjectivesfor Transport Strategyanddesignedtoaddress interventions appropriatetoaRegional regional frameworkofintegratedtransport The strategypackagesetsouttheproposed

p87 The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire Nestrans’ role,currently asa‘Model implementation andregulatoryauthorities. Strategies, andarethemainlocaltransport particularly throughtheirLocal Transport transport policiesandprogrammes, Councils whoareresponsiblefordetailing of Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire of thestrategywillrelyuponactions And notleast,effective implementation sector investmentandsupportivepolicies. will oftendependonassociatedpublic extension orharbourdevelopments. This form ofnewbuses,anairportrunway will bevitallyimportant,whetherinthe Projects Review. Privatesectorinvestment Scotland’s forthcomingStrategic Transport promoted particularlythrough Transport case forthiswillneedtobemadeand to comefromcentralgovernmentandthe strategic transportenhancementswillneed Much ofthepublicsectorfundingtodeliver PUBLIC ANDRIVATE AGEN CIES. CONERTED EFFORTSOFAWIDEVAR IETY OF NESTRANS BUTWILLRELY UPONTHE TRANSPORT STRATEGY ISNOTONLY FOR IMPLEMENTATION OFTHEAGREEDREGONAL next steps transport functions thattheymayneed to expects RTPs toidentifyany otherstatutory other agencies. The ScottishGovernment and facilitator, workingwithandthrough essentially thatofpromoter, coordinator 1’ Regional Transport Partnershipis 2008. approved bytheNestrans Boardlaterin envisaged thattheDelivery Planwouldbe delivered, efficientlyand effectively. Itis and whentoensurethat thestrategyis This willfocusonwhoneeds todowhat costed (nonstatutory)DeliveryPlan. will thenbecompiledinaprioritisedand Regional Transport Strategy. The projects projects tomeettheobjectivesof South study, theywilldetail deliverable such asthe Access to Aberdeen fromthe from individualspecificfeasibilitystudies, are beingcreated. Along with theoutput Freight, Buses,Health& Transport andRail instance aseriesof Action Planscovering the Regional Transport Strategy. Inthefirst in theimplementationarrangementsfor paragraphs formafirstbutimportantstage The proposalssetoutinthefollowing From Strategy toImplementation Responsibilities. in thissection,undertheheadingRolesand effectively delivered. This isaddressedlater ensure theirRegional Transport Strategyis 09

p89 Action Plans

The Regional Transport Strategy sets out a high level strategy for the Nestrans area through to 2021. Many of the elements that form part of the integrated package set out in Section 8 can fairly readily be specified and taken forward through particular projects, road improvements to enhance capacity and improve safety being good examples. In other cases more detailed work is required as to how best the particular objectives can be achieved. Often this will require to be undertaken in liaison with other agencies and transport operators. Whilst awaiting Ministerial approval of its Freight Action Plan Regional Transport Strategy Nestrans has begun to prepare a series of more detailed The efficient movement of goods to and strategies/action plans in similar form to its from, and around the region fulfils a key Travel Planning Strategy and Action Plan role in the Regional Transport Strategy. produced in August 2006. This approach The strategy aims to improve journey mirrors that adopted by the Scottish time and journey time reliability for freight Executive itself with its three National movements. It also supports the shift of Transport Strategy ‘daughter’ documents freight from road to other more sustainable setting out more detailed strategies for Rail, modes of transport, and reducing vehicle Bus and Freight. emissions. Particular interventions proposed in the strategy benefiting freight It is proposed that the four regional action are; road improvements (capacity and plans be prepared by late spring 2008. safety), support to rail freight, and measures These will cover Freight, Bus, Health to provide greater HGV priority in strategic and Transport and Rail. Nestrans is also locations. contributing to the North East Scotland Road Casualty Reduction Strategy 2008 – The National Transport Strategy similarly 2010 which is being developed by the North supports these aims and its Freight Action East Scotland Joint Public Sector Group. Plan Preparing for Tomorrow, Delivering It may be that it is subsequently seen to Today published along with the National be appropriate by Nestrans to develop Transport Strategy in December 2006, additional detailed strategies prior to the analyses in more detail the issues for first formal review of the Regional Transport freight in Scotland and sets out a detailed Strategy in 2011. Possible topics might be action plan with 20 specific actions. walking and cycling, integrated ticketing and These are grouped around five themes; parking strategy. enhancing competitiveness, supporting the development of the freight industry, The following paragraphs outline what is maintaining and improving accessibility, proposed in the respective action plans. minimising the impacts on the environment, and ensuring policy integration. The Scottish Executive also published in April 2006 guidance on establishing Freight Quality Partnerships which the national Haulage Association (RHA)),individual Transport Association (FTA) andRoad representative organisations(theFreight Action Plandrawinguponthemainfreight Nestrans hasheldaseminartodevelopthe recommended bytheScottishExecutive. to thedevelopmentof Action Plan,as The freightindustryitselfwillbecentral and mediumterm. developed andimplementedintheshort particularly focusuponactionsthatcanbe to 2021theFreight Action Planwill Whilst setinthecontextofpoliciesthrough Nestrans FreightWorking Group(NESFR8). East FreightQualityPartnership,andthe north eastfreightinitiatives,thepilotNorth Action Plan.Itwillalsobuildontheprevious Transport Strategy, andthenationalFreight the freightrelatedaimsinRegional a detailedprogrammeofactionstoachieve The Nestrans Freight Action Plan will set out of solutions. identification ofissuesandthedevelopment involvement ofthefreightindustryin appropriate meansofensuringthecentral Freight Action Planrecommendsasan east, toencouragemodalshiftfromcar improve busservicesthroughoutthenorth Regional Transport Strategyaimstofurther form ofpublictransportintheregion. The lifetime ofthestrategytobeprincipal Bus servicesare,andwillcontinueoverthe Bus ActionPlan Partnership. restructured NorthEastFreightQuality permanent regionalfreightgroup,apossibly Plan wouldbetheestablishmentofa of theexpectedoutputsfrom Action local authoritiesandNestransitself.One and businessorganisations,aswellthe freight operators,othersinthesupplychain, Bus Action Plan.Itwillseek tobuildon Transport Strategy, andthenational the busproposalssetout intheRegional detailed programmeofactions toachieve The NestransBus Action Planwillsetouta local authorityarea. between busoperatorsandcouncilsineach advocates theestablishmentofBusForums the regulatoryregime. The Action Planalso industry, andeffective implementationof transport planning,developmentofthebus grouped underthreeheadings;effective provision andinfrastructure. These are achieve astepchangeinbusservice December 2006setsout17actionsto with theNational Transport Strategyin Moving intotheFuturepublishedalong bus usage. The nationalBus Action Plan accessibility andtoencourageincreased and coverageofbusservicestoimprove great emphasisuponenhancingthequality The National Transport Strategyplaces responsive transportservices(DRT). ticketing, andprovidingmoredemand and ride,realtimeinformation,integrated improvements, busprioritymeasures,park proposed inthestrategyinclude;busquality other pollutants.Particularinterventions and toreducecarbonemissions buses toutiliseroadspacemoreeffectively,

p91 existing north east initiatives such as the At the national level this interdependence Quality Partnership between Aberdeen is recognised, in the Transport (Scotland) City and Aberdeenshire Councils and the Act 2005 and in the Scottish Executive’s two main bus operators in the north east, Guidance on Regional Transport Strategies First Aberdeen and Stagecoach Bluebird, which requires that transport provision which Nestrans has accepted an invitation is planned and developed alongside to formally join. It will also build on the healthcare provision and that as well two studies previously commissioned by as improving access to health facilities, Nestrans on the requirements for a 21st transport strategies should prioritise policies century bus network, and a city centre and projects that will improve health. shuttle bus service. Whilst set in the context The Act also states that Health Boards of policies through to 2021 the Bus Action will be under a duty so far as possible to Plan will particularly focus upon actions that perform those of its functions and activities can be developed and implemented in the that affect or are affected by transport short and medium term. consistently with the regional transport strategy. The National Transport Strategy The bus industry itself will be central to endorses these objectives and particularly the development of the Action Plan and stresses the need for sustainable travel a steering group has been formed to plans for major hospitals and health oversee development of the Action Plan, facilities, more integrated provision of building upon the existing north east Local demand responsive transport services Authority Bus Operator Forum (LABOF) between non-emergency patient transport structures, involving the bus representative and other providers. organisations (Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT)), individual bus operators The Nestrans Health and Transport Action and other relevant interests as well as the Plan will set out how Nestrans, the two local local authorities and Nestrans itself. One of authorities and NHS Grampian will work the outputs from the Action Plan might be together in the planning of health services the establishment of a reshaped North East and transport provision, encouraging more Bus Forum. It is intended that the final Bus sustainable and healthy travel behaviour, Action Plan will be adopted by the partners and achieving the aims of the Regional of the Quality Partnership for Public Transport Strategy and Community Health Transport for delivery. Plan. Particular measures that might be included are; the preparation of travel Health and Transport Action Plan plans for major health service locations, better public transport provision to health Health and transport have a close facilities, integration of demand responsive interdependence, both in terms of the transport services, and coordination of particular accessibility requirements to parking policies for hospitals with those of health care facilities, and the generic the local authority and Nestrans. Whilst set impacts that transport can have upon in the context of policies through to 2021 community health. The Regional Transport the Health and Transport Action Plan will Strategy recognises the need to address particularly focus upon actions that can be the issues of access to hospitals and health developed and implemented in the short services, encouraging active travel to and medium term. improve health, and addressing the impact of emissions on public health. p93p93 The Health and Transport Action Plan is The Nestrans Rail Action Plan will set out being jointly prepared by Nestrans and NHS a detailed programme of actions to help Grampian in close liaison with Aberdeen achieve the rail proposals in the Regional City and Aberdeenshire Councils. As NHS Transport Strategy and the national Rail Grampian also covers Moray, liaison will Action Plan. This will build on study work be required with HITRANS, and also with already undertaken for Aberdeen Crossrail. TACTRAN and the Shetland Transport Partnership as NHS Grampian acts as Discussions have been held with Transport a regional centre providing services to Scotland, Network Rail and ScotRail to the wider Highlands and Islands and further explore the rail issues affecting Tayside. A workshop was jointly hosted the North East and how projects can be by Nestrans, NHS Grampian and the taken forward most effectively to maximise Scottish Ambulance Service to facilitate the use of the railway and to secure a common understanding of the links agreement on which local priorities can be between transport and health in the north supported nationally. These will then be east, and to focus on the key issues and fed into national programmes and strategic actions required. This has helped to inform documentation and progressed through the the preparation of a Health and Transport Strategic Transport Projects Review. It is Action Plan. intended to undertake some joint working with Hitrans utilising their resource in Rail Action Plan terms of expertise and staffing to enable a greater understanding of rail constraints and Enhancements to the north east’s rail links, opportunities, towards preparation of a Rail both within and to/from the area fulfils a Action Plan for consideration in late 2008. key role in the Regional Transport Strategy. The strategy aims to improve journey times Delivery Plan and the reliability and frequency of services along with the opening of new stations. The projects required to achieve the actions within the 21 strands of the Regional The national Rail Action Plan Scotland’s Transport Strategy in addition to those Railways published along with the National already contained within the Reference Transport Strategy in December 2006 and Case as detailed in figure 8.1 will be analyses in more detail the issues for the detailed within the Delivery Plan. This Plan rail network and travel in Scotland and will be informed by the various Action Plans sets out the vision for rail in Scotland over and other additional studies and will have the next 20 years. It outlines possible information on the proposed lead agency, future interventions to achieve the key a prioritised timescale for delivery and strategic outcomes identified in the National the estimated cost for each proposal. It is Transport Strategy of improving journey envisaged that the Delivery Plan would be times and connections, reducing emissions approved by the Nestrans Board in late and improving quality, accessibility and 2008. affordability. transport functionsthattheRTP willitself Strategy toidentifyanyotherstatutory when submittingtheirRegional Transport Transport StrategiesrequireseachRTP Scottish ExecutiveGuidanceonRegional and thepreparationofactionplans. and facilitationwithpartnersonkeyprojects seek toworkjointlythroughcoordination In implementingthisstrategy, Nestrans will sector transportoperators. authorities, Transport Scotlandandprivate in otherbodies,notablythetwolocal or otherwiseofthatstrategyarevested functions whichwilldeterminethesuccess Regional Transport Strategy, manyofthe and overseeingtheimplementationofa Whilst Nestransistaskedwithproducing Roles andesponsiblt other public bodies. Scottish Executive, Transport Scotland and exercised byitsconstituent councils,the delivered, thiscoveringtransport functions need inordertoensure that thestrategyis in localauthoritiesthatmightbemore there arepresentlysomefunctionsvested will beenhancedandalsorecognisesthat matures asanorganisationitscapabilities Nestrans dohoweverrecognisethatasit different agencies. working andjointcommitmentbetweenthe also providesbenefitsthroughpartnership Strategy tobedelivered. This approach various elementsoftheRegional Transport Transport Scotlandshouldenablethe Nestrans, itstwoconstituentcouncilsand is envisagedthatcloseliaisonbetween the successfuldeliveryofstrategy. It require tobetransferreditensure any particularfunctionswhichatthistime Nestrans doesnotbelievethatthereare Regional Transport Strategy. responsibilities followingapprovalofthe regional deliveryofsomethesetransport Councils onthemeritsandpracticalitiesof with Aberdeen Cityand Aberdeenshire Nestrans willinitiatefurtherdiscussion parking strategy. policy; fiscalandfinancialcar and communitytransportinitiatives;safety planning; demandresponsivetransport priority measures;freightstrategy;travel roads policy;publictransportpolicy, bus areas forconsiderationinclude;strategic procurement or policy consistency.. Possible in thenortheasttermsofspecialism, effectively deliveredataregional level

p95 The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire apparent. from theinterventionmayhavebecome but generallybeforealloftheoutcomes impacts shouldhavebeenachieved Process evaluationisundertakenwhen implemented economicallyandefficiently. to checkthatdeliveryitselfisbeing interventions areimplementedinorder Process evaluationsarerequiredas Process Evaluation Regional Transport Strategy. the achievementofobjectives and outcomeevaluation–monitoring the deliveryofparticularinterventions, two forms,processevaluation–monitoring Regional Transport Strategy. This willtake undertaken ontheperformanceof In theinterim,regularmonitoringwillbe with thenextrevewn2011. to thelocalgovernmenteletoralyle, and rolledforward every4yearslinked Strategies should beformally reviewed specifies that RegionalTransport Guidance fromtheScottshovernent and Review Monitorng interventions proposedinthestrategy. The for eachofthelargerprojects andpolicy process evaluationwillbe undertaken concerned withthedelivery ofinputs,a Because processevaluation isprimarily

the localauthorities toensureeffective This willbedevelopedin partnershipwith the mainfocusofMonitoring Report. and performanceagainst thesewillbe Targets willbesetandagreedbythe Board identifying indicatorsand measurables. Report and Annual Monitoring Reports The RTS willbesupportedbyaBaseline inputs andoutcomesareworking. to helpidentifyhowwellthelinksbetween evaluation processtransparentandalso will bedevelopedinordertomakethe lower leveltests–outputsandoutcomes Because theobjectivesareveryhighlevel, the achievementofstrategicobjectives. principal elementsarecontributingtowards the extenttowhichstrategyandits Outcome evaluationisrequiredtoassess Outcome Evaluation implementation ofschemes. regular reportsidentifyingprogresstowards key deliverablesandNestranswillpublish Delivery Planwillsetoutaprogrammeof 10

p97 monitoring arrangements and consistency of reporting across the region, linking to Local Transport Strategies and Single Outcome Agreements.

Reporting Evaluation Results

Process evaluation results will be reported to the Nestrans Board at every meeting through a Projects Progress Summary. This report is set out by project heading within the Regional Transport Strategy and is publicly available through the Nestrans website.

Outcome evaluations are undertaken at determined times, normally annually and reported to the Nestrans Board in a Monitoring Report. Nestrans has set out proposed targets and associated monitoring procedures for each of the four strategic objectives and twelve operational objectives set out in section 6 of the strategy. This will be submitted to the Scottish Executive in association with the Delivery Plan for the Regional Transport Strategy in summer 2007.

Both forms of evaluation will input to the annual monitoring report on the Regional Transport Strategy which will form part of the Nestrans Annual Report required by the Scottish Government. glossary ofterms Benchmarks and Rural Urban TMO STAG SEA RTS Reference Case Pollutants NTS NETCF Nestrans NEST NESCAMP MTS LTS LABOF GVA Gases Greenhouse AWPR ACSEF small towns and accessibleruralareas”. areas” and Aberdeenshire againstacombinationof “small towns,remote for summarisedareas. Aberdeen isbenchmarkedagainst “largeurban The ScottishHousehold Surveypublishesdatabylocalauthorityareaand able transportsolutions. TMO inDyce,encouragingcompaniestoworktogether towardssustain Transport ManagementOrganisation-Nestranshashelpedtoestablisha Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance Strategic Environmental Assessment Regional Transport Strategy been testedagainsttheReferenceCase. which formthefoundationofstrategy. Newprojects/measureshave Projects thatarebeingdeliveredorhaveacertain levelofcommitment (NOx), especiallyNitrogenDioxide(NO2). nificant inthenortheastareparticulates(PM10)andOxidesofNitrogen Emissions whichcancontributetolocalairqualityconcerns.Mostsig National Transport Strategy, publishedinDecember2006. Nestrans informulatingearlyconsultationontheRTS. North East Transport ConsultativeForum–astakeholdersgroupusedby The NorthEastofScotland Transport Partnership and Shire. North EastScotland Together, theStructurePlancovering Aberdeen City North EastSafetyCameraPartnership the northeast,coveringperiodupto2011. Modern Transport System,thepreviousRegional Transport Strategyfor Aberdeenshire CouncilhaveproducedLTSs. Local Transport Strategies-both Aberdeen CityCouncil and Nestrans, thetwolocalauthoritiesandprincipalbusoperators. which overseestheQualityPartnershipforpublictransportconsistingof Local Authorities/Bus Operators’Forum–thebodyinnortheast normally expressedasanaverageperpersoninarea. Gross Value Added -ameasureofrelativeeconomicperformance, change, predominantlyCarbonDioxide(CO2). Emissions whichcancontributetoglobaldamage,includingclimate MTS, beingdeliveredby Transport Scotland. Aberdeen Western PeripheralRoute-oneoftheschemesproposedin development agenciesandassociatedpartnersinthenortheast. Aberdeen CityandShireEconomicForum,apartnershipofeconomic 11 - - p99 The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire submitted toScottishMinisters,March2007 Finalised Regional Transport Strategyas Consultation, December2006 Draft Regional Transport Strategy for Option GenerationReport,September2006 Issues andObjectivesReport,July2006 Process details atthefootofpage: the Nestranswebsiteorthroughcontact The followingdocumentsareavailablefrom consideration. months toprovidefurtherdetailedstrategic Plans willbeproducedinthecoming are availableforinspectionandfour Action process orsupportingthefinalisedstrategy A numberofotherdocuments,indicatingthe STRATEGIES” PRODUCEDNMAR H 2006. GUIDANCE ONREGONALTRANSPORT “SCOTLAND’ TRANSPORTFUTURE: AND HASBEENPRODUCEDINLNEWTH FOLLOWS SCOTTISHEXEUTVEGUDANE THIS REGONALTRANSPORTSTRATEGY documentation supporting NESJPSG), 2008 Casualty ReductionStrategy (producedby Rail Action Plan,summer2008 Freight Action Plan,summer2008 Car ParkingStrategy, autumn2008 Bus Action Plan,summer2008 Travel PlanningStrategy, Dec2006 2008 Health and Transport Action Plan,March Forthcoming ActionPlans Delivery Plan,tofollowautumn2008 2008 First Annual Monitoring Report,summer 2007 Initial Monitoring/BaselineReport, April Survey andFindingsReport, April 2007 Modelling ReportandOutputs, April 2007 Report onConsultation,March2007 March 2007 Strategic Environmental Assessment, Supporting Docmentation 12

p101 Nestrans Regional EC1 - Rail links and services • Reducing journey times to Edinburgh Transport Strategy and Glasgow, and further south. • Improved train capacity, comfort and - Links to the reliability. • Support for High Speed Rail Local Objectives connections to London, which benefit the north east. (Aberdeen City and EC2 - Strategic roads Shire’s Community • Overcoming constraints on the network Plans) and National that have a direct impact on travel to/from the north east, such as the A90 Outcomes. through Dundee. EC3 - Inter-regional Bus and Coach travel This paper describes how the Regional Transport Strategy supports the national outcomes and Local Objectives within our • Support further development of inter- area. It will show how the detail of the RTS regional bus and coach travel between “fits” with the Local Objectives and National the north east and other Scottish towns Outcomes. and cities and further afield. Explore possible links to Park and Ride sites.

RTS Sub Strategy Strands EC4 - Connections by sea The Nestrans Regional Transport Strategy • Closer joint working through the Freight has 21 sub strategy strands. These sub Action Plan. strategy strands are used to provide a • Improved access and facilities at ports level of detail and description on what and interchange with passenger ferries. the Strategy intends to do to achieve its 4 • Development of new freight and Strategic Objectives. Spending on budget passenger services. items (projects) is aligned within the Budget to these 21 strands to provide an indication of how the Regional Transport Partnership EC5 - Connections by air is allocating its funding across the range of strands within the Strategy. • Support expansion of direct destinations from Aberdeen and frequency of popular The 21 strands are: services. • Support runway extension to facilitate External Connections – working wider range of destinations and more efficient, modern aircraft. with Transport Scotland, rail • Ensure protection of slots for Aberdeen industry, operators and others to services at key hubs such as London enhance travel to/from the north Heathrow. east • • • • • IC2 -RoadImprovements • • IC1 -Rail withn thenortheast and otherstoenhancetravel Scotland, railndustry, operators with localauthortes,Transport Internal Connections–workng

strategic objectives forward LTS projectsthatcontributeto Support Local Authorities in bringing transport andsustainablemodes. routes, withparticularbenefitsforpublic Prioritised maintenanceforstrategic for carswithmultipleoccupancy. Car sharelanes–triallingpriority A944, A947. and A96. Route Action on A92, A93, alignment improvementson A90 north on A90 south.Overtaking,junctionand – alignmentandjunctionimprovements Strategic RoadsSafetyimprovements serving Aberdeenshire towns. from thesouth,andatotherjunctions Haudagain junction, Access to Aberdeen - Peterhead, A96 westofInverurie, – tacklingconstraintsat A90 Ellon Strategic RoadsCapacityimprovements be setoutintheRail Action Plan. further developmentoftherailsystemto Proposed newstationatKintoreand and improvedservicestoInverness. Stonehaven through Aberdeen Crossrail between Inverurie-Aberdeen- Increased frequencyofservices

IC4 -DemandResponsiveT • • • • • IC3 -BusImprovements • • • IC5 -T • • • across Aberdeen CityandShire. expanded real-timeinformationsystems Improve informationprovisionincluding to thedevelopmentof AWPR. Expand ParkandRideprovisionlinked the Bus Action Plan Explore Rapid Transit optionsthrough measures. out proposalsforextendingbuspriority quality andreliabilityofservicesset Develop aBus Action Plantoimprove services andfacilities. Quality buscorridorimprovementsto operators inthenortheast. integrated ticketingacrossservicesand Work withoperatorstodevelop and Banchory. developments atInverurie,Peterhead towns, inparticularbuildingon interchange facilitiesin Aberdeenshire Support furtherimprovementsto of otherinterchangepointsin Aberdeen. Union Streetandsupportenhancement Guild Streetdevelopmentandlinkwith Maximising interchangepotentialof meets theneedsofcustomers. in anefficientandeffective way, which Seek toensurethattaxisareprovided services. and encouragedevelopmentof Support communitytransportproviders with scheduledbusservices. access conventionalbusesandtolink similar servicestoservethoseunable Support extensionof‘Dial-a-Bus’and ransport Interchange appendix ransport

p103 IC6 - Walking and Cycling IC10 - Powered two-wheelers • Support measures to improve safety for • Support investment in measures to users of motorcycles and other powered increase safety and security of walking two-wheelers and provide appropriate and in particular to facilitate interchange parking facilities. between different modes of transport. Urban realm improvements to improve The Strategic Policy Framework the pedestrian environment. Travel Behaviour • Support the extension of low speed zones, particularly where it improves the environment for pedestrians and cyclists TB1 - Promoting Travel Planning and Travel and increases safety for children. Awareness • Continued development of cycle routes on key routes within Aberdeenshire, into • Implementation and future development Aberdeen and on routes through the of Nestrans’ Travel Planning Strategy. City. • Continue to provide support through the Sustainable Travel Grants Scheme IC7 - Airport Surface Connections • Encourage increased up-take of car-sharing • Encourage enhanced bus services to Aberdeen Airport to be detailed in the TB2 - Promoting Active Travel Bus Action Plan and Delivery Plan. • Support a shuttle bus between Dyce • Encourage more people to walk and station and the airport terminal. cycle more often. • In the longer term, explore the potential • Work with NHS Grampian and for Bus Rapid Transit or enhanced rail Community Planning Partnerships to services to the airport, providing faster, promote the benefits of active travel more reliable journey times. and achieve objectives for a healthier population. IC8 - Port Surface Connections TB3 - Improving Safety • Support measures to improve access to port facilities. • Work with the Councils, Emergency • Facilitate improved interchange between Services and others to promote road the Aberdeen ferry terminal and bus and safety as part of a comprehensive rail stations. approach covering Education, Engineering, Enforcement and IC9 - Freight Encouragement measures. • Improve security for users of public • Support the development of modern transport services and interchanges. intermodal freight terminals to provide future capacity for rail freight expansion. • Investigate potential for measures to provide more reliable journey times for HGVs and identify a trial route for implementation of priority measures. • • IE2 -Usingnforcement • • • & Partnerships IE1 -ChangingChoicesthroughIncentives Incentives andEnforem speed cameras. activities and support the trial of average Partnership tosupportNESCAMP’s establishment ofaCasualtyReduction reduce carbonemissions.Promotethe limits toimproveroadsafetyand Support measurestoenforcespeed towns acrossthenortheast. quality, in Aberdeen CityCentreand emission standardstoimproveair Support enforcementofvehicle the northeast’sroleasanenergyhub. by publictransportproviders,tobuildon uptake ofalternativefuels,particularly Support measureswhichencourage Partnerships. introducing PunctualityImprovement for Public Transport andconsider to developtheQualityPartnership Operators Forum(LABOF)continue Through theLocal Authorities/Bus access toemploymentortraining. bus use,particularlywherethisenables fare incentivestoencourageincreased Work withoperatorstoidentifypossible • • • IE3 -Parking

multi-occupancy vehicles. incentives toencourageuseofsmallor Investigate thepotentialforparking and roadsafety. movements, bus/pedestrianpriority exist tosupportstrategictraffic restrictions, particularlywherethese Support enforcementofparking east. controls andstandardsacrossthenorth ensure acoherentapproachtoparking Develop aRegionalParkingStrategyto

appendix

p105 RTS Strategic Objectives 3: Environment To conserve and enhance the The above 21 sub strategy strands link to north east’s natural and built the 4 RTS Strategic Objectives, which are: environment and heritage and 1: Economy reduce the effects of transport on To enhance and exploit the north climate and air quality. east’s competitive economic • To reduce the proportion of journeys advantages, and reduce the made by cars and especially by single impacts of peripherality. occupant cars. • To reduce the environmental impacts of • To make the movement of goods and transport, in line with national targets. people within the north east and to/from • To reduce growth in vehicle kilometres the area more efficient and reliable. travelled. • To improve the range and quality of transport to/from the north east to key 4: Spatial Planning business destinations. To support transport integration • To improve connectivity within the north and a strong, vibrant and east, particularly between residential and employment areas. dynamic city centre and town centres across the north east. 2: Accessibility, Safety and Social Inclusion • To improve connectivity to and within Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire To enhance choice, accessibility towns, especially by public transport, and safety of transport, walking and cycling. particularly for disadvantaged • To encourage integration of transport and vulnerable members of and spatial planning and improve connections between transport modes society and those living in areas and services. where transport options are • To enhance public transport limited. opportunities and reduce barriers to use across the north east, especially rural areas. • To enhance travel opportunities and achieve sustained cost and quality advantages for public transport relative to the car. • To reduce the number and severity of traffic related accidents and improve personal safety and security for all users of transport. • To achieve increased use of active travel and improve air quality as part of wider strategies to improve the health of north east residents. follows: and ShireCommunityPlans. These areas Objectives assetoutinthe Aberdeen City by ScottishGovernmentandtheLocal both theNationalOutcomesasdescribed to beseeninthecontextofsupporting The Regional Transport Strategyneeds Local Objectives Na tional Outcomesand 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. National Outcomes 15. 14. 13. 12. 11. 10. 9. 8. 7.

We livelonger, healthierlives and arereadytosucceed Our childrenhavethebeststartinlife contributors andresponsiblecitizens learners, confidentindividuals,effective Our youngpeoplearesuccessful research andinnovation and moresuccessful,renownedforour We arebettereducated,moreskilled opportunities forourpeople with moreandbetteremployment We realiseourfulleconomicpotential Europe attractive placefordoingbusinessin We liveinaScotlandthatisthemost responsive tolocalpeople’sneeds continually improving,efficientand Our publicservicesarehighinquality, consumption andproduction environmental impactofour We reducethelocalandglobal national identity We takeprideinastrongandinclusive it forfuturegenerations environment andprotectitenhance We valueandenjoyourbuilt andnatural how theyaffect others responsibility fortheirownactionsand communities wherepeopletake We havestrong,resilient and supportive amenities andservicesweneed places whereweareabletoaccessthe We liveinwell-designed, sustainable disorder anddanger We liveourlivessafefrom crime, risk children, youngpeopleandfamiliesat We haveimprovedthelife chancesfor inequalities inScottishsociety We havetackledthesignificant appendix

p107 Aberdeen City Council Getting Involved

– Aberdeenfutures GI1 To encourage and support communities to be more involved in identifying their needs and Key Aims sustaining their communities GI2 City partners to work together with Leading the City citizens and communities to improve community well being LC1 To reach agreement on a shared vision for the City, which is informed Locality Planning by views of the people and organisations of Aberdeen LP1 To provide a framework for planning LC2 To listen to the expressed views of which places the needs and different communities of Aberdeen aspirations of local people at the and debate the issues that are heart of the planning process where important for the future of our City. local participation is intrinsically This will inform the people who valued make the decisions LP2 To develop the discipline of local LC3 To bring people together to involvement in decision making determine what is needed and which prioritises local need and harness the skills and resources target budgets accordingly available to us to achieve it. LP3 To develop an information network LC4 To make sure that decision-makers across partner organisations which can be held accountable. can provide accurate information/ LC5 To promote Aberdeen locally, data at a localised level. nationally and internationally LC6 To measure our success, review our Health and Social Care, Homes and Safety progress and make changes needed to achieve our vision. HS1 Together we will improve the health Being Informed of the people of Aberdeen and reduce health inequalities HS2 To deliver a comprehensive BI1 To improve the quality and accessibility programme of care to those who of information provided by partner need support and their carers organisations addressing issues such HS3 To improve the quality of housing as the use of Plain English; the location and environment for individuals and of information; the affordability of the community information; friendly and approachable HS4 To make Aberdeen a safer place in contact with staff, and the provision of which to live and work information in community languages and formats suitable for those with disabilities BI2 To ensure that the people of Aberdeen know how and where to get information on issues and topics of interest to them LU11 LU10 LU9 LU8 LU7 LU6 LU5 LU4 LU3 LU2 LU1 organisations to: with communities,businessesand Clean City–workinpartnership Land UsetheEnvironment purchasing andethicalchoices environment bymakingresponsible Help othercountriesprotecttheir City change andengenderprideinour Educate andinform,promote supports aqualityenvironment economy whichrespectsand Recognise theneedforasustained threats, suchasclimatechange Respond toglobalenvironmental and cangainalivelihoodfrom be acitythatpeopleenjoytoin Ensure that Aberdeen continuesto open spaces biodiversity, wildlifesites,treesand Protect andenhanceourwildlife, informal recreation for accesstothecountryside Maintain andenhanceopportunities and usefulbuiltenvironment landscape andensureanattractive Protect ourheritage,historyand renewable energy and promoteefficiency Reduce unnecessaryenergyuse before disposal Reduce, reuseandrecoverwaste city Achieve acleanandpollutionfree TC4 TC3 TC2 TC1 T AI1 Aberdeen’s Image PJ2 PJ1 Prosperity andJobs ransport andConnections area the long-termbestinterestsof operators areencouragedtoworkin addressed andthattransport transport needsareadequately partnership working,thatstrategic Partnership: toensurethrough to, fromandwithintheCity range oftransportchoicesavailable Choice: tomaintainandimprovethe of age,gender, disabilityandincome options whichreflectdiffering needs have accesstoarangeoftransport Accessibility: toensureallcitizens most efficientwaypossible the Transport Strategyaremetinthe make surethattheobjectivessetin planning andtransportintegration,to Integration: throughlanduse of thelocaleconomy. development andthediversification investment, businessandtrade internationally toencourageinward its businesseslocally, nationallyand Vigorously promote Aberdeen and fully includedinthelifeofCity inclusive, economicallyviableand Empower communitiestobesocially required foradynamiceconomy Provide thedynamicinfrastructure appendix

p109 Learning Sports, Leisure and Recreation

L1 To enable and encourage citizens of S1 To improve opportunities for people all ages across our City, whatever of all ages and visitors to our City to their social background or economic become involved in recreational position, to reach the maximum of activities, leisure pursuits and a wide their potential throughout life. We variety of sports believe that every child should have S2 To work together with our City the best possible start in life partners to plan, develop and L2 To actively promote social inclusion enhance sports, leisure and and take action to remove the recreational facilities across our City barriers to accessing learning S3 To work with our City partners to opportunities attract investment for sports, leisure L3 To develop learned citizens who can and recreation programmes and make a full contribution towards a facilities across our City. We also knowledgeable, informed and want to attract investment in people democratically engaged society so that we can work together to L4 To create seamless lifelong learning provide financial assistance for and development opportunities for talented athletes to allow them to the people of Aberdeen train and compete L5 To create quality learning S4 To encourage participation and environments which develop a high develop active communities through level of confidence in and coaching, leading and volunteering engagement with our institutions opportunities across our City L6 To attract investment in learning and knowledge capacity within our City Culture (Arts and Heritage)

C1 Cultural Activity will become part of everyday live for citizens of all ages and visitors to our City C2 To support cultural activities which have a positive impact on the social, economic and cultural development of the City C3 To foster a strong, diverse and independent creative community C4 To encourage access to and participation in the City’s cultural life C5 To develop productive and sustainable city partnerships within and beyond the cultural sector C6 To strengthen support for and ownership of the City’s distinctive cultural character JE3 JE2 JE1 Jobs andtheEconomy CW5 CW4 CW3 CW2 CW1 Community W Theme Objectives Plan 2006-2010 Aberdeenshire Communty rural economyinkeysectors Maintaining andgrowingarobust educated andskilledworkforce Developing andtrainingawell- Aberdeenshire Create andsustainjobsin tackle anti-socialbehaviour To promotecommunitysafetyand needs identified housingandsupport housing tomeettherangeof To increasethesupplyofaffordable households wholiveinfuelpoverty measures toreducethenumberof regeneration initiativesand including theuseoftargeted To improvethequalityofhousing, To createattractivecommunities reduce healthinequalities To improvehealth&socialcareand ellbeing SE1 Sustainable Environment LL6 LL5 LL4 LL3 LL2 LL1 Lifelong earning DP4 DP3 DP2 DP1 Developing ourPartnership consumers business, organisationsand and environmentalissuesamongst To raiseawarenessofsustainability Developing thepartnership Building communitycapacity progression Ensuring learnersupportand learning foryoungpeople Encouraging achievementthrough learning foradults Promoting achievementthrough Engaging withcommunities policy andstaff training partnership budgets,data-sharing partnership-wide issues,suchas To identifyandprogressallother inclusion andequalityforeveryone Engagement, whichaimtoensure Standards forCommunity To ensure that we follow the National communications strategy To developapartnership monitoring andevaluationsystem To developaneffective partnership appendix

p111 Linkages

The following table shows how each strand of the RTS contributes to the National Outcomes and Local Objectives.

RTS Contributes Contributes Strategic Contributes to ACC to AC to National RTS Sub Strategy Strands Objective Key Aims Objectives Outcome Comments

External Connections EC1 - Rail links and services • Reducing journey times to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and further south. LU7,TC1-4, PJ1, AI1 SE1 • Improved train capacity, comfort and reliability. (LC5,LU1, LU3,LU5, (CW2, JE1, 1,2 • Support for High Speed Rail connections to London, which benefit the north east. 1,4 (2,3) LU8,LU9, L2,C4,S1) JE3) (10,12,14) EC2 - Strategic roads LU7,TC1-4, PJ1, AI1 • Overcoming constraints on the network that (LC5,LU1, LU3,LU5, JE1, JE3 have a direct impact on travel to/from the north east, such as the A90 through Dundee. 1,2 (4) LU9,L2,C4,S1) (CW2) 1,2,10 EC3 - Inter-regional Bus and Coach travel • Support further development of inter-regional LU7,TC1-4, PJ1, AI1 bus and coach travel between the north east (LC2,LC5, LU1,LU3, and other Scottish towns and cities and further LU5,LU7, LU8, LU9, JE1, SE1 1,2,10,14 afield. Explore possible links to Park and Ride sites. 1,2,3,4 L2,C4,S1) (CW2,JE3) (12) All the External Connection strands EC4 - Connections by sea assist in improving connectivity to and • Closer joint working through North East Ports within the North East and thus enhance Forum. the quality of life and economic com- • Improved access to ports and interchange with petitiveness of the area by making the movement of goods and people more passenger ferries. LU9,TC1-4, PJ1 JE1, JE3 1,2 • Development of new freight and passenger efficient and reliable and reducing services. 1,3 (4) (LC5,LU1,LU3,AI1) (SE1) (10) peripherality. EC5 - Connections by air Improving the External Connections • Support expansion of direct destinations from will increase accessibility and thus Aberdeen and frequency of popular services. promote social inclusion. Those strands • Support runway extension to facilitate wider that enhance modal choice will also range of destinations and more efficient, modern help to reduce the effects of transport aircraft. LU7,TC1-4, PJ1, AI1 1,2 on the environment, whilst overcoming • Ensure protection of slots for Aberdeen services the constraints on the strategic road at key hubs such as London Heathrow. 1(3,4) (LC5,LU3, LU8, LU9) JE1 (10) network will also deliver safety benefits. • • • • • • • • EC2 -Strategicroads • • • EC1 -Raillinksandservices External Connections RTS Subtrategytrands EC5 -Connectionsbyair EC4 -Connectionsbysea EC3 -Inter-regional BusandCoachtravel at keyhubssuchasLondonHeathrow. Ensure protectionofslotsfor Aberdeen services aircraft. range ofdestinationsandmoreefficient,modern Support runwayextensiontofacilitatewider Aberdeen andfrequencyofpopularservices. Support expansionofdirectdestinationsfrom services. Development ofnewfreightandpassenger passenger ferries. Improved accesstoportsandinterchangewith Forum. Closer jointworkingthroughNorthEastPorts sites. afield. ExplorepossiblelinkstoParkandRide and otherScottishtownscitiesfurther bus andcoachtravelbetweenthenortheast Support furtherdevelopmentofinter-regional east, suchasthe A90 throughDundee. have adirectimpactontravelto/fromthenorth Overcoming constraintsonthenetworkthat London, whichbenefitthenortheast. Support forHighSpeedRailconnectionsto Improved traincapacity, comfortandreliability. Glasgow, andfurthersouth. Reducing journeytimestoEdinburghand 1(3,4) 1,3 (4) 1,2,3,4 1,2 (4) 1,4 (2,3) Objective Strategic RTS (LC5,LU3, 8,9) LU7,TC1-4, PJ1,AI1 (LC5,LU1,3,AI1) LU9,TC1-4, PJ1 L2,C4,S1) LU5,7, 8,9, (LC2,C5, LU1,3, LU7,TC1-4, PJ1,AI1 LU9,L2,C4,S1) (LC5,LU1, 3,5, LU7,TC1-4, PJ1,AI1 LU8,9, L2,C4,S1) (LC5,LU1, 3,5, LU7,TC1-4, PJ1,AI1 Key Aims Contributes toACC

JE1 (SE1) JE1, 3 (CW2,JE3) JE1, SE1 (CW2) JE1, 3 Objectives to AC Contributes JE3) (CW2, JE1, SE1 Outcome to National Contributes (10) 1,2 (12) 1,2,10,14 1,2,10 (10,12,14) 1,2 (10) 1,2 on theenvironment,whilstovercoming help toreducetheeffects oftransport that enhancemodalchoicewillalso promote socialinclusion. Those strands will increaseaccessibilityandthus Improving theExternalConnections peripherality. efficient andreliablereducing movement ofgoodsandpeoplemore petitiveness oftheareabymaking the qualityoflifeandeconomiccom within theNorthEastandthusenhance assist inimprovingconnectivitytoand All theExternalConnectionstrands Comments network willalsodeliversafetybenefits. the constraintsonstrategicroad - appendix

p113 RTS Contributes Contributes Strategic Contributes to ACC to AC to National RTS Sub Strategy Strands Objective Key Aims Objectives Outcome Comments Internal Connections IC1 - Rail • Increased frequency of services between Inverurie-Aberdeen-Stonehaven through LC5,LU1, LU3,LU5, Developing the existing passenger rail Aberdeen Crossrail and improved services to LU7,LU8, LU9,TC1-4, JE1, JE3, network will increase accessibility to Inverness. PJ1,AI1 SE1 1,2 employment, education and services, • New station openings in the City and improve economic competitiveness and Aberdeenshire as part of Aberdeen Crossrail. 1,4 (2,3) (L2,C4,S1) (CW2) (10,12,14) encourage sustainable travel IC2 - Road Improvements • Strategic Roads Capacity improvements – tackling constraints at A90 Ellon - Peterhead, A96 west of Inverurie, Haudagain junction, Access to Aberdeen from the south, and at other junctions serving Aberdeenshire towns. • Strategic Roads Safety improvements – alignment and junction improvements on A90 south. Overtaking, junction and alignment im- provements on A90 north and A96. Route Action on A92, A93, A944, A947. Capacity, safety and quality • Car share lanes – trialling priority lanes for cars improvements will bring benefit to all with multiple occupancy. road users. Reducing journey times • Prioritised maintenance for strategic routes, with and increasing safety and reliability will particular benefits for public transport and sus- assist the quality of life and economic tainable modes. competitiveness of the north east and • Support Local Authorities in bringing forward LTS bring health benefits through reducing projects that contribute to strategic objectives LC5,LU1, LU3,LU5, poor air quality resulting from standing • (These build on the AWPR and dualling of A90 LU7,LU8, LU9,TC1-4, CW2,JE1, traffic and the diversion of traffic to Balmedie – Tipperty which are being taken PJ1,AI1 JE3, SE1 1,2,9,10 inappropriate routes. High occupancy forward by Transport Scotland and are due to be vehicle lanes could further assist in completed in 2011) 1,2 (4) (L2,C4,S1) reducing emissions. IC3 - Bus Improvements • Quality bus corridor improvements to services and facilities. Bus improvements such as service • Extend bus priority measures on key routes to quality, frequency and reliability will enable buses to beat congestion. LC5,LU1, LU3,LU5, help make this sustainable mode more • Explore Rapid Transit options such as guided attractive thus reducing congestion busways and the Super Bus concept. LU7,LU8, LU9,TC1-4, and environmental impact. Increasing • Expand Park and Ride provision linked to the PJ1,AI1, 1,2,10, accessibility to employment, education development of the AWPR. L2,C4,S1 CW2,JE1, 14 and services will promote social • Further develop real-time information systems to inclusion and increase economic expand coverage across Aberdeen City and Shire. 1,2,3,4 (LP3) JE3, SE1 (7,12) benefits and quality of life. • • • • • IC3 -BusImprovements • • • • • • IC2 -RoadImprovements • • RTS Subtrategytrands IC1 -Rail Internal Connections expand coverageacross Aberdeen Cityand Shire. Further developreal-timeinformationsystemsto development ofthe AWPR. Expand ParkandRideprovisionlinkedtothe busways andtheSuperBusconcept. Explore Rapid Transit options suchasguided enable busestobeatcongestion. Extend busprioritymeasuresonkeyroutesto facilities. Quality buscorridorimprovementstoservicesand completed in2011) forward by Transport Scotlandandareduetobe Balmedie – Tipperty whicharebeingtaken (These buildonthe AWPR andduallingof A90 projects thatcontributetostrategicobjectives Support Local Authorities inbringingforwardLTS tainable modes. particular benefitsforpublictransportandsus Prioritised maintenanceforstrategicroutes,with with multipleoccupancy. Car sharelanes–triallingpriorityforcars on A92, A93, A944, A947. provements on A90 northand A96. Route Action south. Overtaking,junctionandalignmentim – alignmentandjunctionimprovementson A90 Strategic RoadsSafetyimprovements serving Aberdeenshire towns. Aberdeen fromthesouth,andatotherjunctions west ofInverurie,Haudagainjunction, Access to tackling constraintsat A90 Ellon-Peterhead, A96 Strategic RoadsCapacityimprovements– Aberdeenshire aspartof Aberdeen Crossrail. New stationopeningsintheCityand Inverness. Aberdeen Crossrailandimprovedservicesto Inverurie-Aberdeen-Stonehaven through Increased frequencyofservicesbetween - - 1,2,3,4 1,4 (2,3) Objective Strategic RTS 1,2 (4) (LP3) L2,C4,S1 PJ1,AI1, LU7,8, 9,TC1-4, LC5,LU1, 3,5, (L2,C4,S1) PJ1,AI1 LU7,8, 9,TC1-4, LC5,LU1, 3,5, Key Aims Contributes toACC (L2,C4,S1) PJ1,AI1 LU7,8, 9,TC1-4, LC5,LU1, 3,5, (CW2) SE1 JE1, 3, Objectives to AC Contributes JE3, SE1 CW2,JE1, JE3, SE1 CW2,JE1, (7,12) 14 1,2,10, Outcome to National Contributes 1,2,9,10 (10,12,14) 1,2 Bus improvementssuchasservice benefits andqualityoflife. inclusion andincreaseeconomic and serviceswillpromotesocial accessibility toemployment,education and environmentalimpact.Increasing attractive thusreducingcongestion help makethissustainablemodemore quality, frequencyandreliabilitywill reducing emissions. vehicle lanescouldfurtherassistin inappropriate routes.Highoccupancy traffic andthediversionofto poor airqualityresultingfromstanding bring healthbenefitsthroughreducing competitiveness ofthenortheastand assist thequalityoflifeandeconomic and increasingsafetyreliabilitywill road users.Reducingjourneytimes improvements willbringbenefittoall Capacity, safetyandquality encourage sustainabletravel improve economiccompetitivenessand employment, educationandservices, network willincreaseaccessibilityto Developing theexistingpassengerrail Comments appendix

p115 RTS Contributes Contributes Strategic Contributes to ACC to AC to National RTS Sub Strategy Strands Objective Key Aims Objectives Outcome Comments IC4 - Demand Responsive Transport • Support extension of ‘Dial-a-Bus’ and similar services to serve those unable to access conventional buses and to link with scheduled bus services. • Support community transport providers and LU5, LU9, TC1-4, encourage development of services. PJ1, PJ2, AI1,L2, 10 These services promote social • Seek to ensure that taxis are provided in an C4,S1 CW2,JE1, (1,7,11, inclusion and help improve accessibility efficient and effective way, which meets the to services (including healthcare), needs of customers. 2.3 (1,4) (GI2) JE3, SE1 12, 14) particularly for those in rural areas IC5 - Transport Interchange • Maximising interchange potential of Guild Street development and link with Union Street and support enhancement of other interchange points in Aberdeen. • Implement city centre shuttle bus and explore Effective interchange between different potential for future ‘Micro-Light’ tram. services and modes that is safe and • Support further improvements to interchange secure can encourage use of public facilities in Aberdeenshire towns, in particular transport and realise the social, building on developments at Inverurie, Peterhead accessibility, environmental and active and Banchory. LU1,LU3, LU5,LU7, travel health benefits this brings. They • Work with operators to develop integrated LU8,LU9,TC1-4, PJ1 CW2,JE1, can act as gateways to the region and ticketing across services and operators in the support the place competitiveness of the north east. 2,3,4 (1) (L2,C4,S1) JE3, SE1 (1,10,14) north east. IC6 - Walking and Cycling • Support investment in measures to increase safety and security of walking and in particular to facilitate interchange between different modes of transport. Urban realm improvements to improve the pedestrian environment. • Support the extension of low speed zones, Encouraging greater walking and particularly where it improves the environment for cycling through route development and pedestrians and cyclists and increases safety for HS1,HS4, LU1,LU3, security improvements can help achieve children. LU5,LU7, LU8,LU9, 9,10, accessibility, health, social inclusion, • Continued development of cycle routes on key TC1-4, PJ1 CW2,JE1, 12,14 safety and environmental benefits routes within Aberdeenshire, into Aberdeen and thus increasing the quality of life and on routes through the City. (1,2,3,4) (L2,C4,S1) JE3, SE1 (1,2,5,6) attractiveness of the area. IC7 - Airport Surface Connections • Facilitate an Express Bus Service to provide a dedicated, high-frequency service between Aberdeen City Centre and other key locations and the airport and enhanced regional connections. • Support a shuttle bus between Dyce station and Improving surface access connections the airport terminal. will increase accessibility to the airport • In the longer term, explore a fixed link from LU3,LU7, LU8,LU9, by sustainable modes and increase Aberdeen City Centre to the airport, providing TC1-4, PJ1,AI1 JE1 1,2 connections to key economic centres fast, reliable journey times, either as an addition improving the competitiveness and at- to Crossrail or as a guided bus route. 1, (3,4) (C4,S1) (10) tractiveness of the area. • • • IC7 -AirportSurfaceConnections • • • IC6 -W • • • • IC5 -T • • • RTS Subtrategytrands IC4 -DemandResponsiveT to Crossrail or asaguidedbusroute. fast, reliablejourneytimes, eitherasanaddition Aberdeen CityCentreto theairport,providing In thelongerterm,explore afixedlinkfrom the airportterminal. Support ashuttlebusbetween Dycestationand the airportandenhanced regionalconnections. Aberdeen City Centre and other key locations and a dedicated,high-frequencyservicebetween Facilitate anExpressBusServicetoprovide on routesthroughtheCity. routes within Aberdeenshire, into Aberdeen and Continued developmentofcycleroutesonkey children. pedestrians andcyclistsincreasessafetyfor particularly whereitimprovestheenvironmentfor Support theextensionoflowspeedzones, the pedestrianenvironment. transport. Urbanrealmimprovementstoimprove facilitate interchangebetweendifferent modesof safety andsecurityofwalkinginparticularto Support investmentinmeasurestoincrease north east. ticketing acrossservicesandoperatorsinthe Work withoperatorstodevelop integrated and Banchory. building ondevelopmentsatInverurie,Peterhead facilities in Aberdeenshire towns,inparticular Support furtherimprovementstointerchange potential forfuture‘Micro-Light’tram. Implement citycentreshuttlebusandexplore in Aberdeen. support enhancementofotherinterchangepoints development andlinkwithUnionStreet Maximising interchangepotentialofGuildStreet needs ofcustomers. efficient andeffective way, whichmeetsthe Seek toensurethattaxisareprovidedinan encourage developmentofservices. Support communitytransportprovidersand bus services. conventional busesandtolinkwithscheduled services toservethoseunableaccess Support extensionof‘Dial-a-Bus’andsimilar ransport Interchange alking andCycling

ransport 2,3,4 (1) 2.3 (1,4) Objective Strategic RTS 1, (3,4) (1,2,3,4) (C4,S1) TC1-4, PJ1,AI1 LU3,7, 8,9, (L2,C4,S1) TC1-4, PJ1 LU5,7, 8,9, HS1,4, LU3, (L2,C4,S1) LU8,9,TC1-4, PJ1 LU1,3, 5,7, (GI2) C4,S1 PJ1, 2,AI1,L LU5, 9,TC1-4, Key Aims Contributes toACC JE1 JE3, SE1 CW2,JE1, JE3, SE1 CW2,JE1, JE3, SE1 CW2,JE1, Objectives to AC Contributes (10) 1,2 (1,2,5,6) 12,14 9,10, Outcome to National Contributes (1,10,14) 12, 14) (1,7,11, 10 security improvementscanhelpachieve cycling throughroutedevelopmentand Encouraging greaterwalkingand tractiveness ofthearea. improving thecompetitiveness andat connections tokeyeconomic centres by sustainablemodesand increase will increaseaccessibility totheairport Improving surfaceaccess connections attractiveness ofthearea. thus increasingthequalityoflifeand safety andenvironmentalbenefits accessibility, health,socialinclusion, north east. support theplacecompetitivenessof can actasgatewaystotheregionand travel healthbenefitsthisbrings. They accessibility, environmentalandactive transport andrealisethesocial, secure canencourageuseofpublic services andmodesthatissafe Effective interchangebetween different particularly forthoseinruralareas to services(includinghealthcare), inclusion andhelpimproveaccessibility These servicespromotesocial Comments - appendix

p117 RTS Contributes Contributes Strategic Contributes to ACC to AC to National RTS Sub Strategy Strands Objective Key Aims Objectives Outcome Comments IC8 - Port Surface Connections Improving surface access connections • Support measures to improve access to port will increase accessibility to the facilities. LU9,TC1-4, PJ1,AI1 1,2 harbours and ports within the north • Facilitate improved interchange between the east improving the competitiveness and Aberdeen ferry terminal and bus and rail stations. 1,3 (4) (C4,S1) JE1,JE3 (10) attractiveness of the area. IC9 - Freight • Support the development of modern intermodal freight terminals to provide future capacity for rail freight expansion. Improving journey times and reliability • Investigate potential for measures to provide LC5,LU1, LU3,LU7, will enhance the economic comp titive- more reliable journey times for HGVs and LU8,LU9,TC1,TC3, JE1, JE3, 1,2 ness and attractiveness of the area, identify a trial route for implementation of priority whilst developing rail freight can also measures. 1 (4) TC4,PJ1,AI1 SE1 (10) provide environmental benefits. IC10 - Powered two-wheelers • Support measures to improve safety for users of 10 This can bring safety and accessibility motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers and benefits for a relatively sustainable provide appropriate parking facilities. (1,2,3) LU3, HS4, TC2, TC3 (9,14) mode.

The Strategic Policy Framework Travel Behaviour TB1 - Promoting Travel Planning and Travel Awareness • Implementation and future development of LU1, LU3, LU7,LU8, 1 Encouraging sustainable modes can Nestrans’ Travel Planning Strategy. LU9,LU10,TC1-4, (2,7,10, help achieve accessibility, social • Continue to provide support through the PJ1, L2,C4,S1 JE1, JE3, 11, inclusion, health and environmental Sustainable Travel Grants Scheme benefits and enhance the quality of life • Encourage increased up-take of car-sharing 2,3,4 (1) (HS1,HS4) SE1 12,14) and attractiveness of the area. TB2 - Promoting Active Travel Increasing active travel can bring both • Encourage more people to walk and cycle more health and environmental benefits, often. GI2,HS1, HS4, LU1, enhancing the quality of life and attrac- • Work with NHS Grampian and Community LU3,LU7, LU8,LU9, CW1, tiveness of the area. Indirectly this can Planning Partnerships to promote the benefits of LU10,TC1-4,PJ1, CW2, 6,12,14 aid the economy if less days are lost to active travel and achieve objectives for a healthier ill health and congestion is reduced thus population. 2,3 (1,4) L2,C4,S1 SE1 (1,5,11) aiding business travel. TB3 - Improving Safety • Work with the Councils, Emergency Services and others to promote road safety as part of a comprehensive approach covering Education, Working with partners to improve safety Engineering, Enforcement and Encouragement and security will help make the North measures. GI2,HS4, LU7,LU10, CW2, 6,9,15 East a safer place to live and travel in • Improve security for users of public transport and can help encourage sustainable services and interchanges. 2 (1,4) TC1-4 CW5 (1,5) modes. IC8 -PortSurfaceConnections • • TB3 -ImprovingSafety • • TB2 -PromotingActiveT • • • A TB1 -PromotingT T The Strategic PolyFramework • IC10 -Poweredtwo-wheelers • • IC9 -Freight • • RTS Subtrategytrands ravel Behaviour wareness services andinterchanges. Improve securityforusers ofpublictransport measures. Engineering, Enforcement andEncouragement comprehensive approach coveringEducation, and otherstopromoteroadsafetyaspartofa Work withtheCouncils,EmergencyServices population. active travelandachieveobjectivesforahealthier Planning Partnershipstopromotethebenefits of Work withNHSGrampianandCommunity often. Encourage morepeopletowalkandcycle Encourage increasedup-takeofcar-sharing Sustainable Travel GrantsScheme Continue toprovidesupportthroughthe Nestrans’ Travel PlanningStrategy. Implementation andfuturedevelopmentof provide appropriateparkingfacilities. motorcycles andotherpoweredtwo-wheelers Support measurestoimprovesafetyforusersof measures. identify atrialrouteforimplementationofpriority more reliablejourneytimesforHGVsand Investigate potentialformeasurestoprovide freight expansion. freight terminalstoprovidefuturecapacityforrail Support thedevelopmentofmodernintermodal Aberdeen ferryterminalandbusrailstations. Facilitate improvedinterchangebetweenthe facilities. Support measurestoimproveaccessport ravel PlanningandT ravel ravel 1 (4) 1,3 (4) Objective Strategic RTS 2 (1,4) 2,3 (1,4) 2,3,4 (1) (1,2,3) TC1-4 GI2,HS4, LU7,10, L2,C4,S1 LU10,TC1-4,PJ1, LU3,7, 8,9, GI2,HS1, 4,LU (HS1,4) PJ1, L2,C4,S1 LU9,10,TC1-4, LU1, 3,7,8, LU3, HS4,TC2,C3 TC4,PJ1,AI1 LU8,9,TC1,C3, LC5,LU1, 3,7, (C4,S1) LU9,TC1-4, PJ1,AI1 Key Aims Contributes toACC CW5 CW2, SE1 CW2, CW1, SE1 JE1, 3, SE1 JE1, 3, JE1,3 Objectives to AC Contributes (1,5) 6,9,15 (1,5,11) 6,12,14 12,14) 11, (2,7,10, 1 (9,14) 10 Outcome to National Contributes (10) 1,2 (10) 1,2 modes. and canhelpencourage sustainable East asaferplacetolive andtravelin and securitywillhelpmake theNorth Working withpartnerstoimprovesafety aiding businesstravel. ill healthandcongestionisreducedthus aid theeconomyiflessdaysarelostto tiveness ofthearea.Indirectlythiscan enhancing thequalityoflifeandattrac health andenvironmentalbenefits, Increasing activetravelcanbringboth and attractivenessofthearea. benefits andenhancethequalityoflife inclusion, healthandenvironmental help achieveaccessibility, social Encouraging sustainablemodescan mode. benefits forarelativelysustainable This canbringsafetyandaccessibility provide environmentalbenefits. whilst developingrailfreightcanalso ness andattractivenessofthearea, will enhancetheeconomiccomptitive Improving journeytimesandreliability attractiveness ofthearea. east improvingthecompetitivenessand harbours andportswithinthenorth will increaseaccessibilitytothe Improving surfaceaccessconnections Comments - - appendix

p119 RTS Contributes Contributes Strategic Contributes to ACC to AC to National RTS Sub Strategy Strands Objective Key Aims Objectives Outcome Comments

Incentives and Enforcement IE1 - Changing Choices through Incentives & Partnerships • Work with operators to identify possible fare incen- tives to encourage increased bus use, particularly where this enables access to employment or training. Working with partners to encourage • Through the Local Authorities/Bus Operators use of bus travel can help achieve Forum (LABOF) continue to develop the Quality the accessibility, social inclusion and Partnership for Public Transport and consider environmental benefits that greater use introducing Punctuality Improvement Partnerships. LU1,LU3, LU7, of this sustainable mode can bring. • Support measures which encourage uptake of LU8, LU9, LU10, 2,15 Promotion of alternative fuels can also alternative fuels, particularly by public transport TC1-4, PJ1, L2, (1,3,7,8, bring environmental benefits and help providers, to build on the north east’s role as an grow the areas role as an alternative energy hub. 2,3,4 (1) C4,S1 (HS1) JE1,SE1 10) energy capital. IE2 - Using Enforcement • Support enforcement of vehicle emission standards to improve air quality, in Aberdeen City Centre and towns across the north east. • Support measures to enforce speed limits to Realising the environmental, health and improve road safety and reduce carbon emissions. HS1, HS4, LU1, safety benefits of working with partners Promote the establishment of a Casualty LU3, LU7,LU8, to support enforcement of emission Reduction Partnership to support NESCAMP’s LU9, LU10, CW1,CW2, 12,14,15 standards and speed limits will also activities and support the trial of average speed increase the quality of life and attractive- cameras. 2,3,4 (1) TC4 CW5, SE1 (6,8,9) ness of the north east IE3 - Parking • Develop a Regional Parking Strategy to ensure a coherent approach to parking controls and standards across the north east. Working in partnership with local • Support enforcement of parking restrictions, authorities to develop a region wide particularly where these exist to support strategic strategy will provide a consistent traffic movements, bus / pedestrian priority and policy, the enforcement of which can road safety. reduce congestion and improve safety. • Investigate the potential for parking incentives LU1, TC1, Encouraging car share and use of to encourage use of small or multi-occupancy smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles can vehicles. 3,4 (1) TC2 CW2 (10,12) achieve environmental benefits. • • • IE3 -Parking • • IE2 -Usingnforcement • • • Partnerships IE1 -ChangingChoicesthroughIncentives& Incentives andEnforem RTS Subtrategytrands vehicles. to encourageuseofsmallormulti-occupancy Investigate thepotentialforparkingincentives road safety. traffic movements,bus/pedestrianpriorityand particularly wheretheseexisttosupportstrategic Support enforcementofparkingrestrictions, standards acrossthenortheast. a coherentapproachtoparkingcontrolsand Develop aRegionalParkingStrategytoensure cameras. activities andsupportthetrialofaveragespeed Reduction PartnershiptosupportNESCAMP’s Promote theestablishmentofaCasualty improve road safety and reduce carbon emissions. Support measurestoenforcespeedlimits Centre andtownsacrossthenortheast. standards toimproveairquality, in Aberdeen City Support enforcementofvehicleemission energy hub. providers, tobuildonthenortheast’sroleasan alternative fuels,particularlybypublictransport Support measureswhichencourageuptakeof introducing PunctualityImprovementPartnerships. Partnership forPublic Transport andconsider Forum (LABOF)continuetodeveloptheQuality Through theLocal Authorities/Bus Operators training. where thisenablesaccesstoemploymentor tives toencourageincreasedbususe,particularly Work with operators to identify possible fare incen

- 3,4 (1) 2,3,4 (1) 2,3,4 (1) Objective Strategic RTS TC2 LU1, TC1, TC4 LU9, 10, LU3, 7,8, HS1, 4,LU C4,S1 (HS1) TC1-4, PJ1,L2, LU8, 9,10, LU1,3, 7, Key Aims Contributes toACC CW2 CW5, SE1 CW1,C2, JE1,SE1 Objectives to AC Contributes Outcome to National Contributes (10,12) (6,8,9) 12,14,15 10) (1,3,7,8, 2,15 achieve environmentalbenefits. smaller, morefuelefficient vehicles can Encouraging carshareanduseof reduce congestionandimprovesafety. policy, theenforcementofwhichcan strategy willprovideaconsistent authorities todeveloparegionwide Working inpartnershipwith local ness ofthenortheast increase thequalityoflifeandattractive standards andspeedlimitswillalso to supportenforcementofemission safety benefitsofworkingwithpartners Realising theenvironmental,healthand energy capital. grow theareasroleasanalternative bring environmentalbenefitsandhelp Promotion ofalternativefuelscanalso of thissustainablemodecanbring. environmental benefitsthatgreateruse the accessibility, socialinclusionand use ofbustravelcanhelpachieve Working withpartnerstoencourage Comments - appendix

p121 NOTES October 2008 www.nestrans.org.uk [email protected] Fax: 01224626596 T AB24 5AA Aberdeen 27-29 KingStreet Archibald SimpsonHouse Nestrans el: 01224625524

p123 The Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire