30 April 2013
Focus on walking and cycling welcomed -- but inadequate attention given to rail network
Transform Scotland have today (Tuesday 30th) welcomed the inclusion of a 'national walking and cycling network' in the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework consultation (NPF3). However, Transform Scotland are critical of the limited attention given to the rail network in the document.
Transform Scotland director Colin Howden said:
"It's very welcome to see the government's planning consultation promote long-distance walking and cycle routes as a national development. Scotland has massive sustainable tourism potential and greater emphasis on enhancing and promoting these routes could bring substantial economic benefit to the country.
"However, the consultation is surprisingly weak on railways. While the consultation recognises the need to improve rail routes from the Central Belt to Aberdeen and Inverness, the plans brings forward nothing new that would help Scotland's passenger railway offer journey times competitive with the road network.
"The document also makes no reference to rail freight. Given the large amount of attention it gives to sea freight, it is a strange omission for rail freight not even to get a single mention."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
[1] Transform Scotland
Transform Scotland is the national sustainable transport alliance, bringing together rail, bus and shipping operators, local authorities, national environment and conservation groups, businesses and local transport groups. See <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/members.aspx> for details.
[2] NPF3
The NPF3 consultation is available at <http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/NPF3-SPP-Review>.
Transform Scotland put forward 'Candidate National Development' proposals on walking & cycling, and also on inter-city rail ahead of the December 2012 deadline for submissions. See <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/proposals-for-npf-3.aspx> for details.
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