As many members will know, we recently hosted an extremely successful conference for representatives from Campaign Groups and CTC rights officers from all over the UK. Main speaker was Cllr David Begg, who is also a top adviser to John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister.
In an inspiring speech, Cllr Begg told us he expected the forthcoming Transport White Paper to be a radical document, which will set the foundation for a sustainable transport/planning policy for years to come. The starting point of transport policy must be 'What kind of society do we wish to live in?', and transport policies flow from that - not as in the past where ever-increasing motorisation, despite its many benefits, also changed many aspects of society for the worse, e.g in health, environment, child lifestyles, etc. In future all such aspects must be considered.
However, the new policy may be strongly attacked by such as the AA, RAC and British Roads Federation, to the extent that politicians may begin to backpedal on its contents. It will be vital for those who support the policy to give public support, for example by writing to papers and MPs.
Cllr Begg also hinted that whilst the Scottish Transport White Paper
will follow similar principles to
the UK one, it may be rather less radical. One big problem is the very
different way in which English and Scottish councils receive capital funding
- the Scottish system makes it easier for councils to allocate funds to
grandiose road-building schemes. There are signs that trunk road schemes
cancelled by the government may be re-instated by some Scottish councils
under the guise of local schemes. This is an example of how 'old' thinking
on transport still permeates many councils, and heightens the need for
letters to the press, councillors and MPs on transport issues.
There are 2 important planning applications - can be inspected at Edinburgh
City Planning Dept, 1
Cockburn Street, during working hours. Having inspected them please
do send comments on the applications, to the same address. Please copy
your letter to Spokes, particularly if you have detailed suggestions
on either, which we might take into account in the submissions.
Application C36: Scottish Parliament - no details of the building, just the site boundary. However, also a written document giving further details including proposed car-parking arrangements - one parking space per MSP plus spaces for other staff. We will be arguing for less MSP spaces (see article in last Spokes leaflet, 'early 1998'). Document also includes comments on links to surrounding area - we would like to see a much wider linkage, with cycle, walk, public transport routes etc to the site.
Application 1060: CERT - council proposed rapid-transit busway
Edinburgh-Gyle-Airport,
incorporating cycleroute Russell Road to Gyle/A8. We haven't yet looked
at this in detail, so greatly welcome comments.
In West Lothian we have been disappointed by a new Tesco planning
application for an edge-of town superstore at Bathgate. Although Tesco
is to pay for an adjacent section of the Edinburgh-Glasgow cycleroute,
they include no connection from it to the store! Nor are there any of the
other cycling and 'green transport' initiatives for which we praised the
Tesco Edinburgh Meadowplace Road proposals [Spokes
68]. It would appear that Tesco UK's green transport
initiative in fact depends on pressure from the local council and organisations
like Spokes in each case! Members in Bathgate/Livingston area should
write to 'Director of Planning, W. Lothian council, County Buildings, Linlithgow
EH49 7EZ', quoting ref.358/98. The plans can be inspected at the same
address in working hours.
Glasgow is consulting on new transport policies: Free summary 'Keep Glasgow Moving' from 0141.287.9171 (answerphone); the full document is in Glasgow libraries.. Whilst there is much positive in the plans, they also include the massive M74 project which has attracted lots of press coverage recently.
Falkirk council consultation on new Structure Plan - covers transport & planning. Consultation pack from 01324.504749, Ann Wallace.
Aberdeen is consulting on transport policy. The full document costs £5 from 01224.522286 (Bill Gauld). Again, there is much very positive, plus one major road project, though we know little about the Aberdeen situation.
The government is consulting on proposed planning guidelines for Sustainable Rural Development. Details: 0131.244.7554 (Tom Hardie). Comments by 3.7.98.
May 26: Colin Howden, newly-appointed worker for Transform Scotland, the new campaign for sustainable transport. Talk on current transport issues and work of T.Scotland. FOE meeting, 19.30, Southsider pub, W Richmond St, Edinburgh.. 0131.225.1119.
Jun 7: Sponsored ride for British Lung Foundation on Sustrans Bathgate-Airdrie path (14/28 miles). Includes launch of new Sustrans Edinburgh-Glasgow route map. 0141.204.4110.
June 4/9/11: Most likely dates for release of government Transport White Paper - see article above.
June 10: SPOKES BIKE BREAKFAST. 8-10am, City Chambers, High St, Edinburgh. See poster. 0131.553.5819.
June 10: SPOKES family evening quiet-route ride. Bring picnic & lights. Meet Roseburn cycle bridge.Mark 0131.229.7190.
June 11: CTC treasure hunt - Spokes members invited. Commonwealth Pool meet, 18.30. Peter Valente 0131.561.2727 (day).
Sep 30/Oct 1: Bikes/Boots/Buses SRSC conference, Dunblane. Main topics - school travel; pedestrian safety; cycling issues. Details: Scottish Road Safety Campaign, Riccarton, EH14 4AP.
More events: See Diary page.
Edinburgh Bicycle has sponsored an excellent free "What's On" guide to 1998 cycling events (large & small) in Scotland. Details: 0131.228.1368 or www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk.
April News Update from Go-Bike, Strathclyde Cycle Campaign, includes
news of Glasgow Council
proposed cycleroute network. Free - send SAE to Go-Bike, PO box 15175,
Glasgow G4 9LP.
New Sustrans 1998 Pricelist/catalogue free from 0117.929.0888.
You don't support the road-building programme...
... but you know someone who does!
The AA and RAC are founder-members of the British Road Federation, which campaigns energetically for more road-building. The Environmental Transport Association campaigns for a sustainable transport system, provides a top-rated car-breakdown service, and cycle-rescue.
Phone 0193.282.8882 or e-mail joining@eta.co.uk.Quote reference S452, so you get 50% discount and SPOKES gets a commission. SPOKES members only. Existing ETA members also get a big ETA renewal discount by quoting S452. The ETA website is at www.eta.co.uk.
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