Transport Minister calls for strategy review in next parliament
A full review of Scotland's national transport strategy (NTS) should take place during the next Scottish Parliament, the transport minister has said.
A full review of Scotland's national transport strategy (NTS) should take place during the next Scottish Parliament, the transport minister has said.
Derek Mackay said the review would "delve into more fundamental questions" around transport priorities.
He made the comments as he launched a "refresh" of the 2006 national transport strategy, which takes stock of the Scottish Government's performance so far and provides updates.
The Government has spent £15 billion on transport since 2007, with investment in key infrastructure such as the new Forth crossing and the railways.
Rail passengers have increased, rising by 29%, while bus journeys have fallen by 12%. Car traffic volumes remain similar to 2006 levels while cycle traffic has increased by 30%.
Mr Mackay also highlighted improvements in journey times, emissions levels and quality, accessibility and affordability of travel.
He said: "Since 2006 we have made real progress, despite unforeseen circumstances such as a major financial crisis and recession, and we have invested heavily in transport infrastructure, helping to mitigate the recession's effects by improving connectivity by land, sea and air.
"Rail has performed particularly strongly, with more passengers than ever before now choosing to travel on Scotland's railways, with the newly-opened Borders Railway leading the line in this success."
He added: "The NTS refresh has shown the framework set out in the NTS is still relevant, so I am today re-affirming the vision, key strategic outcomes and high-level objectives.
"However, this exercise has also confirmed that a fuller review of the NTS is required in the next Parliament which delves into more fundamental questions around how we can best work together and prioritise our activity to the benefit of Scotland's economy and Scotland's people.''