26 August 2010
How sustainable transport can save Scotland money
Transform Scotland have today submitted their response to the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee 'Inquiry into Preventative Spend'.
In the response, prepared by Transform Scotland board member Calum McCallum, Transform Scotland conclude that:
- If Scotland is to deliver the policies to reduce carbon emissions, improve public health and change the quality of life of its citizens, it has to recognise that active travel has a vital contribution to make.
- Resources should be concentrated on maintaining existing transport assets – roads, railways, pavements and paths – to the highest possible standards before embarking on ambitious expansion projects.
- A planning system that only plans to transport people through resource-depleting modes will not address negative outcomes - the rising carbon emissions from the transport sector, community severance, increasing obesity and worsening health.
- Dedicating 99% of the transport budget to resource-depleting, inactive modes compromises our ability to combat climate change, improve public health, and deliver sustainable economic growth.
Transform Scotland's key recommendations are:
- A national active travel plan;
- Focus on maintaining existing infrastructure;
- Plan developments that minimise travel and incorporate walking and cycling;
- Re-orientate the transport budget away from road-building.