Warning Signs report sets out state of sustainable transport in Scotland
We successfully launched our Warning Signs report on 12 September, following our AGM. The event was a sell out, with approximately 80 attendees. Throughout that day, we received widespread media coverage including BBC radio and TV, as well as in a number of national newspapers. The new report sets out a comprehensive picture of the current state of sustainable transport in Scotland, and we will be following up the report recommendations with the appropriate authorities over the coming months.
http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/warning-signs-report-sets-out-comprehensive-picture-of-sustainable-transport-in-scotland.aspx
Smartcard success!
Thanks to a great extent to pressure from Transform Scotland over recent years, and principally by long-standing TS Campaigner & Board member Calum McCallum, the Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has indicated that the Government will deliver a national transport smartcard ('Saltire Card'). Although this is just the first stage and will only be a pre-paid card, we would eventually like to see that the card is extended to cover season tickets and for it to be usable across all operators. After Hong Kong’s Octopus Card and London’s Oyster Card, we had been floating the Salmon Card – but maybe now it should be the Sturgeon Card?
http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/welcome-for-saltire-card.aspx
'A drop in the ocean' - Scottish Budget disappoints again
The Government Budget, announced on 20 September, has shown an almost complete lack of progress on investment in sustainable transport. The budget for roads goes up yet again, while John Swinney announced cuts in both bus and ferry investment in real terms. The extra £6m for cycling is welcome, but is a drop in the ocean compared with the level of investment needed for the government to meet its own cycling targets. However, there was some welcome news: there is increased investment in railways; a firm commitment to funding improved Caledonian Sleeper services; and continued reference to progressing with the Borders Railway project.
http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/government-not-heeding-warning-signs.aspx Various Scottish Parliament Committees are taking evidence on the Budget. You might want to consider submitting evidence to one or more of these Committees:
Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment: deadline Monday 15th Oct.Economy, Energy and Tourism: deadline Friday 19th Oct.Infrastructure and Capital Investment: deadline Monday 22nd Oct.
Get Your Act Together!
This autumn will see the Government publish the second version of its climate change action plan (‘RPP2’). With the government having already missed its first climate target -- and by all reports is well on its way to missing the second -- it is imperative that the government now strengthens its climate plans. One would have thought that the fast disappearing ice in the Arctic, and the recent extreme weather events throughout the UK, would focus minds on tackling climate change. So far, however, there appears to be little evidence of concerted efforts from the Scottish Government, even in spite of its so-called “world leading” climate legislation, in tackling emissions from the transport sector (the second largest source). So we are happy to be playing a full role in Stop Climate Chaos Scotland’s ‘Get Your Act Together’ campaign. As part of this campaign, there will be a ‘Mass Lobby’ in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 25 October.
Take Action! Call on your politicians to ‘Get their Act together’ and ensure action on the Climate Change Act – book your place today:
http://getyouracttogether.eventbrite.co.uk
Government pressured to reinstate funding for EGIP
On 19 September, we joined forces with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to press the Government to reverse the severe cuts announced in July to the funding of the Central Belt rail electrification plans. Our briefing was used by a number of MSPs in the Labour Party debate which was held in the Parliament that day, and our alliance with the Chambers again drew the attention of the BBC. As Transform Scotland’s rail campaigner Paul Tetlaw told MSPs: “Until recently Scotland was seen to be leading the way in terms of rail investment. In particular the ambitious electrification schemes brought widespread acclaim. Sadly, the recent announcements from Westminster and Holyrood have turned that position on its head. Scotland is now retreating from rail enhancement while England and Wales forge ahead.”
http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/government-urged-to-make-clear-and-unequivocal-commitment-to-national-rail-schemes.aspx
Invite to October Members' Session
Our
next Members’ Session will be held on 3.30pm on Friday 26 October. We are delighted to be joined by the Manchester-based aviation campaigner Jeff Gazzard (Green Skies & the Aviation Environment Federation). This is very timely, given that the Westminster Government is
currently consulting on UK aviation policy with a deadline for responses of the 31 October. Please email us in advance if you would like to attend.
In brief
The
Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance (SATA) has just presented its first annual Achievement Awards. Lothian Buses plc were recognised for its long record of quality service delivery, while there was a personal award to Wayne Pearson, Chief Executive of HcL, Handicabs (Lothian) for 27 years of service in providing all-the-year-round accessible, door-to-door transport for mobility impaired people.
The Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) have a fascinating set of speakers at their
‘Inspiring People’ events series.
Please let us know what you'd like in the next issue
This newsletter has been put together by John Webster & Anna Brand. Please feel free to email us with your suggestions for content for next month's newsletter.
And see our 'Events' and 'Take Action Online' pages for more information on things you could attend and things you could do to press for sustainable transport.
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Transform Scotland, the campaign for sustainable transport
5 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PR, Scotland
t: +44 (0)131 243 2690
e: info@transformscotland.org.uk
w: http://www.transformscotland.org.uk
FB: http://www.facebook.com/transformscotland
Twitter: @TransformScot
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Transform Scotland is a registered Scottish charity (SC041516)
Join us at http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/join-us.aspx
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