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Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast

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31 August 2010

Cheaper travel for ferry users extended

A pilot scheme of cheaper ferry fares for all Western Isles routes to the mainland is to be extended for a further year.

The Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) scheme has reduced ferry fares by up to half for all users and was introduced on routes in October 2008. Earlier this year, emerging evidence reported an increase in travel and local businesses are working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise to maximise the benefits of the scheme, which will now be extended until spring 2012.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

“Extending this pilot scheme will bring further opportunities for the island communities and businesses to maximise the benefits of this scheme. The emerging evidence of increased traffic earlier this year is welcome, particularly in this challenging economic climate. We want to do all we can to protect and support our remote and fragile island communities. By continuing this scheme for a further year, we can continue to examine ways of delivering a longer term fairer, cheaper system for every ferry user.”

Margaret McSporran of Highlands and Islands Enterprise said:

"The Scottish Government’s decision to extend the Road Equivalent Tariff pilot is welcome news for businesses and communities in the Outer Hebrides, Coll and Tiree.

"This will allow the pilot to continue to operate while the Government carries out a detailed assessment of its economic impact.

"We look forward to seeing the results of the assessment early next year."

Bill Lewis, chairman of Co Chomunn na Hearadh, which runs Clachan Stores in Leverburgh, said:

"We are certainly seeing more visitors, and particularly camper vans, which has had a significant effect on our sales in our shop. A recent expansion to our shop has allowed us to increase the range of goods and brands to our customers. Last year sales were up 25% since the introduction of RET and this year they are up another 10%. There is no doubt that RET has had a significant impact on visitor numbers to the islands coming from Britain and all over the continent."

Andrew Morrison, manager of the Harris Hotel in Tarbert, said:

"We have experienced another busy summer in Harris. The season began early, with a busy Easter period at the start of April and this trend continued throughout May. June and July figures were both up on last year, and for these two months, room occupancy was at 99%. August seems to be continuing in the same fashion.

“RET undoubtedly continues to benefits these islands and is often remarked upon by guests, both those visiting for the first time and those who paid the previously higher fares before the introduction of the scheme. It is very possible that if RET were not to continue, people would highlight a new higher-cost fare as a reason not to visit the Outer Hebrides, so the continuation of this scheme is vital to the future well-being of these islands."

Gordon Maclennan from Stornoway Plastics in Lewis said:

"The island has been snowed under with visitors. Every ferry sailing is the same - it has been very busy. RET has been a real success story in the islands and the area is booming. We moved into a new premises recently which is eight times bigger than our previous building. Although our business has been quieter in Stornoway, our shop in Back has been snowed under with tourists."

Norman Macleod from Lochmaddy’s Taigh Chearsabhaigh Museum and Arts Centre in North Uist, said:

"Taigh Chearsaibhaigh is positioned next to the ferry terminal which is a bonus and no doubt helps to attract the additional visitors. There was a big jump in numbers of visitors in June. Takings are up at the museum, café and shop. The numbers for July are saturated - we can't get any more people on to the boats. If it wasn't for RET, things would be very different. There are a lot of caravanettes and caravans in the islands. Many other businesses in the Uists are seeing a big jump in their takings. RET has given us a lifeline here in the Uists."

RET involves setting ferry fares on the basis of the cost of travelling an equivalent tariff by road. The relevant routes are Ullapool – Stornoway, Uig to Tarbert (Harris)/Lochmaddy (North Uist) and Oban – Castlebay (Barra), Lochboisdale (South Uist) and Oban to Coll and Tiree.

Stevenson Call For Cross Party Support As New Figures Show Scots Drink 25% More Than Rest Of UK

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has called on opposition parties to put party politics aside and support the Scottish Government’s Alcohol Bill as new figures from the Scottish Health Survey today show the scale of the problem. The survey found that mean daily alcohol consumption amongst men in Scotland was 6.2 units compared to 4.3 units in England, while mean daily consumption amongst women in Scotland was 3.5 units compared to 2.2 in England.

The recommended daily limits are 3-4 units for men (21 units per week) and 2-3 units for women (14 units per week), but these figures show the average weekly intake in Scotland to be 43 units for men and 24 units for women.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“The problem revealed by these statistics is deeply alarming, with people in Scotland drinking significantly more than people in other parts of the UK and well above their safe recommended limits. On average men are drinking more than double the recommended limit in a week while women are not far behind.

“Clearly something needs to be done to address this problem and the knock-on damage it does to society. Alcohol related issues in health and policing cost the Scottish economy £3.65 billion every year, but the emotional cost to families whose loved ones suffer ill-health as a result of alcohol is incalculable.

“We need bold action to tackle Scotland’s relationship with alcohol and it is inexcusable for other parties to continue to play partisan politics with the lives of people in Scotland. The range of measures in the Alcohol (Scotland) Bill have won support from the police, health professionals and even some alcohol producers, amongst others and it is time for everyone in the Scottish Parliament to come together and support the Scottish Government’s efforts.

“They have a responsibility to put the needs of people in Scotland ahead of their political manoeuvring. Scotland’s parties are at a crossroads and their failure to back the Scottish Government on this issue would be utterly unacceptable.”

Giving people their say on planning

Updated advice that focuses on ensuring communities can effectively engage in the planning system has been published today by the Scottish Government.

The document encourages engagement with communities from the earliest possible stage to enable views to be reflected in development plans and on individual proposals. Delays for communities and developers alike will then be less likely.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

"We recognise both the important role planning plays in building strong and sustainable economic growth in Scotland and the interest of communities in development plans and proposals.

"We want to ensure that planning authorities and developers are clear on the need to engage with communities when policies are developed, and when planning proposals are being brought forward. We believe increased public engagement can produce more satisfactory outcomes and help avoid delays in the planning system.

"Publication of the document builds on our wider ongoing work with planning authorities, agencies and the private sector to deliver a modern, efficient and fit for purpose planning system.

"Initiatives such as the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework, which identifies the key strategic infrastructure Scotland needs, and the introduction of consolidated, easier-to-understand planning policy, are geared towards simplifying the process.

"With increased collaboration across the public sector, and better public engagement, we can ensure planning makes the fullest possible contribution to economic development, providing developers and communities alike with more certainty.

"And we will shortly be publishing a report on the Charette series held earlier this year. The Charrettes are a truly innovative and exciting approach to empowering communities that the Scottish Government is pioneering on a national scale. They allow people to positively shape the decision-making process in their communities in a dynamic and effective way, improving the quality, attractiveness and success of places across Scotland."

Scottish Government policy on community engagement in the planning system is contained in Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) which was published in February 2010. SPP recognises that effective engagement with the public can lead to better plans, better decisions and more satisfactory outcomes and can help to avoid delays in the planning process. It also improves confidence in the fairness of the planning system.

The Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative (SSCI) Charrette Series took place throughout March 2010 and involved an innovative and interactive approach to public engagement in order to develop community-informed masterplans. The Charrette series involved three of the exemplar projects selected by the SSCI at Lochgelly in Fife, Ladyfield in Dumfries and Grandhome on the edge of Aberdeen.

28 August 2010

MSP Pays Tribute To Red Cross Volunteers

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson paid a visit to the Wizard Music Festival at New Deer to meet with Red Cross emergency response and first aid volunteers. Mr Stevenson was invited by the Red Cross to visit their volunteers 'on site' and see at first hand how they handle major public events.

The Red Cross provided first aid cover at the Wizard Festival and their operation there involved around 25 volunteers and some staff. The Red Cross covered the event throughout the weekend and was on hand to support the emergency services should an emergency have arisen.

Commenting following his visit, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

"I was very pleased to accept the invitation from the Red Cross to pay them a visit whilst on 'active service'.

"Red Cross first aid volunteers are highly trained individuals that are well equipped to deal with any type of emergency that members of the public may face and are there to ensure there is a smooth running of the event that everyone can enjoy.

"Many of us take for granted our safety at outdoor public events, but ill-health can strike at any time and medical emergencies can and do arise. When they do, it is very reassuring to know that expert help is at hand and I pay tribute to the men and women of the Red Cross who give up their time at these events to ensure that others can have a safe and enjoyable visit."

27 August 2010

'Oil Discovery Only Adds To Overwhelming Case For Independence' - Stevenson

OIL FUND FOR SCOTLAND NOW ‘IMPERATIVE’

Following on from reports today (Friday) of a ‘major’ discovery of oil in the North Sea, Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has renewed calls for a Scottish Oil Fund to be established.

Nobel Prize winner and former Chief Economist of the World Bank Prof. Josef Stiglitz, said on BBC Scotland’s Newsnight programme on Tuesday (24th August) that the UK had “squandered" it's oil wealth and that it is now "imperative" an oil fund is established to secure the wealth that remains under the North Sea for future generations.

The discovery, made by German firm Wintershall yesterday, of up to 100 million barrels of oil would equate to, at today’s oil prize, to over $7billion. This comes just a few short months since the last major discovery in Scottish waters in June, when up to 300 million barrels were discovered by EnCore Oil.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson said:

“The oil industry has contributed a great deal to Scotland, especially in the North-east, and it’s showing no sign of drying up despite the pessimistic view taken by the London Parties in the 70’s, which still continues today.

“Over the course of the summer we have seen two major discoveries in North Sea, plus the GERS report which showed that with independence Scotland would see a budget surplus of over £1 Billion, whilst the UK struggles with a mammoth £50 Billion deficit. Even the most hardened Unionist cannot deny that the financial case for independence couldn’t be any stronger.

“On Tuesday, Professor Stiglitz said that the SNP was “absolutely right” on the need for an Oil Fund, the UK Government has ‘squandered’ Scotland’s oil, that current situation is unsustainable and that an Oil Fund was now “imperative”.

“The unionist parties must put aside their petty party politics and start putting the interest of Scotland, and it’s people, first before it’s too late.”

Final Tracks Laid On Britain's Longest Passenger Line For 100 Years

Network Rail completed track laying on the new 24km stretch of railway between Airdrie and Bathgate today (Friday 27 August), making it the longest domestic passenger railway with new stations to be built in Britain for a century.

A 200-tonne mobile track laying machine ran through the site of the relocated Drumgelloch station over the course of two hours, completing a modern, soon-to-be electrified rail link between West Lothian and North Lanarkshire. By December 2010, the line will carry four trains an hour in each direction, opening up travel options between Scotland’s two biggest cities.

Ron McAulay Network Rail director, Scotland, commented:

“The completion of this brand new stretch of railway has historical significance but its real significance will become apparent over the next couple of decades. In North Lanarkshire and West Lothian, this rail link will rejuvenate the area by encouraging investment and will encourage even more people to travel by train between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

“The completion of track-laying is a major milestone for us and keeps us firmly on track to begin driver training by mid October and to open for passengers by December 2010. We still have a significant amount of work to do; installing signaling and overhead cables as well as completing the three new stations and the relocation of two other stations but we're confident that we will deliver on schedule.”

Stewart Stevenson, minister for transport, infrastructure and climate change said:

"Scotland has the most ambitious climate change legislation anywhere in the world and our climate change delivery plan means persuading motorists to get out of their cars and use more sustainable forms of transport. That's why we are investing £300 million in the Airdrie - Bathgate route to bring considerable benefits for the communities along the route, forming a direct rail link to Glasgow and Edinburgh for towns like Caldercruix, Blackridge and Armadale for the first time in 50 years.

"I am delighted that we have reached this significant milestone - a clear indicator that this work is moving apace towards final delivery. Once complete this new route will offer travellers a real alternative to the car and enable people to make better use of public transport networks."

At 24km (15 miles), the Airdrie-Bathgate is the longest domestic passenger railway to include new stations to be built in Britain since the Ashendon to Aynho line was constructed through Bicester North, Oxfordshire in 1910. In Scotland, it is the longest line to be built since the Ballachulish branch line opened in 1903.

The rail link includes three new stations at Calderdruix, Blackridge and Armadale as well as two relocated station in Drumgelloch and Bathgate. Four trains an hour will operate in each direction running as far west as Helensburgh and Milngavie and as far east as Edinburgh.

The £300m Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link is funded by Transport Scotland.

26 August 2010

Work kicks off on major A96 project

Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson, today announced early design work for a major upgrade to one of the north of Scotland’s most important roads is under way.

The work will identify the preferred solutions for dualling the A96 between Inverness and Nairn, a new link connecting the A96 to the A9 south of Inverness and an A96 Nairn bypass.

Mr Stevenson said:

“I’m delighted to announce the go ahead for this work which further underlines our commitment to upgrading the A96.

“The study, which forms part of our commitment through the Strategic Transport Projects Review to upgrade this section of the A96, will identify solutions in taking the schemes forward - schemes which will help improve journey times in and around the east of Inverness and along the whole route, and provide benefits to local communities and businesses by better connecting them to economic centres. The upgrade will also improve access for passengers to Inverness Airport and other future growth areas on the A96 corridor. It is exactly this type of investment in transport infrastructure projects which is protecting economic recovery and building sustainable economic growth.

“The Scottish Government is determined to improve the main route between Aberdeen and Inverness, the two biggest economic centres of the North. This contract underlines our commitment to the communities and businesses this vital link serves.”

In taking forward the necessary, detailed preparatory work, the Scottish Government has been working with partners at The Highland Council to ensure proposals support their work on the Highland Wide Development Plan which will see significant growth along the A96 in the coming years.

The £500k contract has been awarded to Jacobs Engineering UK Ltd, and findings from this work are expected in Spring 2011.

23 August 2010

Greenfleet Returns To Scotland This September

SCOTTISH ORGANISATIONS COULD SAVE £250 MILLION A YEAR

Scottish organisations could save over £250 million a year through reduced fuel bills by switching to greener company cars. Following the success of last years event, GreenFleet Scotland is coming to Edinburgh on Thursday 2nd September 2010 to show businesses how they can reduce fleet costs. This free event will showcase a range of green vehicles and technology, the extent of which has never been seen previously in Scotland.

Organised in conjunction with the Energy Saving Trust with funding from the Scottish Government, this is a ‘must attend’ event for fleet managers and those responsible for vehicle procurement.

This year’s free event at the Royal Highland Showground will see a range of seminars, where the latest fleet issues can be discussed. Focusing on the most current fleet topics, attendees will be able to hear about the latest developments and share their experience and knowledge of the issues of the day. Attendees can also compete in an eco-driving experience, with teams navigating their way to a number of checkpoints in the Edinburgh area in order to test their eco-driving skills.

Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change welcomed the return of GreenFleet Scotland to the Royal Highland Showground in 2010:

“Scotland has the toughest climate change legislation anywhere in the world and our climate change delivery plan means persuading fleet managers and drivers to use more sustainable forms of transport. We commend GreenFleet Scotland’s efforts to show those responsible for vehicle procurement that a greener fleet doesn’t have to mean a higher level of investment.”

Mike Thornton, Director, Scotland for the Energy Saving Trust, said:

“GreenFleet Scotland is a great opportunity for organisations in Scotland to find out about the latest in low emission vehicles. Low carbon or no-carbon vehicles have a significant role to play in helping Scotland reach its carbon dioxide reduction target of 42 per cent by 2020.

“The Energy Saving Trust encourages the adoption of travel alternatives, such as video conferencing or using public transport, to help reduce transport emissions and costs, but we also know that there are times when travel by car or van is necessary. That is why the Energy Saving Trust is sponsoring GreenFleet Scotland to bring together a selection of low carbon vehicles, so that fleet managers and other transport professionals can see the low carbon alternatives.”

Register to come along to this free event at www.greenfleetscotland.co.uk. To find out more about how a green fleet review could benefit your company and for advice on sustainable travel planning, visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/businesstransport or call 0131 555 7874.

17 August 2010

Opening of Raasay Ferry Terminal

Islanders on Raasay, off Skye, were today (Tuesday) celebrating the opening of their £12 million new ferry terminal. Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change, was joined by pupils from Raasay Primary School in unveiling a plaque to mark the completion of the terminal at Churchton Bay, which provides a sheltered roll on roll off facility for the Caledonian MacBrayne car ferry, Loch Striven, and overnight berthage.

Built by Balfour Beatty, the new terminal has an all states of the tide slipway, a 150 metre long ferry berth, and 40 metre dog leg to provide the necessary shelter.

It is 2.5 kilometres from the former terminal at Suisnish, which was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century for the transportation of iron ore from Raasay. In the early 1970s Suisnish was enhanced to provide a slipway and berthing structure for the introduction of a new Island Class ferry direct to Sconser rather than Portree.

Suisnish pier has now reached the end of its life, and is in a very poor state of repair suffering from both corrosion of the precast concrete sections and accelerated low water corrosion of the sheet piles and does not provide the shelter that a modern day roll on/roll off ferry service requires.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

“I am delighted to visit Raasay and open the new ferry terminal. This substantial investment will deliver first class facilities for the people of Raasay as well as visiting tourists. It is a vital boost for the area and in these challenging times will make a valuable contribution to both the local and national economy.”

Councillor John Laing, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee, said:

“I am delighted that the lifeline link between Skye and Raasay has been secured with such a major investment, providing opportunities for Raasay to encourage visitors and improve the economy and sustainability of this remote island community. This contract marks another huge commitment by the Council to the rural West Highlands and closely follows the Small Isles ferry and piers’ project.”

Donald Oliphant, Chairman of Raasay Community Council, said:

“The Raasay community is delighted with our new pier, which is a real lifeline service for our fragile island community.”

Andrew Gordon, Regional Commercial Director, Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering, said:

“We are delighted to complete this complex project for The Highland Council. Technically and logistically this was a very challenging project and we are pleased with the outcome. The new pier and ferry terminal will provide great benefits to the local community.”

Phil Preston, Managing Director of ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne, said:

“The Sconser-Raasay service is one of our shortest crossings, but it is as important to us as any we operate, so we greatly welcome the investment in the new pier in Raasay, which will be a boon to all who use it.”

12 August 2010

Minister gets eco-welcome

Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson MSP received a warm welcome from Dunbar environmentalists when he visited the town.

Mr Stevenson, who was finding out more about the work of local charity and development trust Sustaining Dunbar, spent more than an hour with staff and board members.

Staff were able to brief the minister about three projects supported by the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund.

These were the Connecting Dunbar sustainable travel project; the energy audit service in conjunction with the BeGreen home energy advice shop; and the 2025 Energy Descent Action Planning project.

Said Mr Stevenson:

“Sustaining Dunbar is a marvellous example of creative local action to move to a low-carbon community.

“I’ve seen how Sustaining Dunbar is building many productive local relationships in pursuit of reducing emissions in areas such as food, transport and energy.

“It clearly has the drive to succeed in its vision for a low-carbon Dunbar and I wish everyone success for the future.”

The minister’s visit preceded the opening on Monday of a two-week exhibition about the ‘2025 vision’ and action plan for a low-carbon, locally resilient future in Dunbar Library.

The action plan builds on local survey findings in which more than 1,500 residents in the Dunbar area were interviewed.

The public is encouraged to visit the exhibition and add their further comments and ideas.

They can also take advantage of the new book collection which Sustaining Dunbar has donated to the library.

This includes titles on climate change and ‘peak oil’, as well as ones on some of the practical skills which are likely to be needed in the future.

Project coordinator Philip Revell said:

“Our hope is that people will be excited by the opportunities which a low-carbon, more localised future holds for meaningful work, to develop new skills, to strengthen community networks and working to enhance the local environment.”

Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvements Programme Contracts Awarded

Network Rail has awarded £10m-worth of contracts as work on a new, £1bn programme to enhance rail services and infrastructure in Scotland’s central belt gets underway.

Carillion will begin work on the electrification of Edinburgh’s Haymarket north tunnel in September in what will be the first physical element of the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvements Programme (EGIP) to be delivered.

Amey Infrastructure, Atkins and Delta Rail have also been awarded separate design and development contracts for other EGIP projects.

EGIP which is being funded by Transport Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, will make significant investment in the rail infrastructure linking Scotland’s two main cities, and the surrounding towns, enabling increased service levels and reduced journey times.

With the new infrastructure financed through Network Rail’s Regulatory Asset Base, EGIP is expected to deliver a range of benefits by 2016 including a fastest journey time of 37 minutes on the main Edinburgh Waverley-Glasgow Queen Street route and increased service levels on all routes between the two cities from the current five or six services per hour to 13 services per hour.

EGIP will also see the electrification of 350km of the existing rail network in the central belt, including the main Edinburgh Waverley-Glasgow Queen Street line, and provide opportunities to increase services and reduce journey times on routes between Alloa and Dunblane and Edinburgh and Glasgow.

In the short-term, the electrification of the north lines between Princes St Gardens and Haymarket, via the Haymarket north tunnel, will improve reliability and increase capacity into Edinburgh Waverley ahead of the introduction of the new, four trains an hour, Airdrie-Bathgate route in December 2010.

The £6m works at Haymarket north will involve track alignment and tunnel wall repairs to provide the correct clearances for the installation of overhead power lines through the tunnel. The project will commence in September and continue until December of this year.

Ron McAulay, Network Rail director Scotland, said: “The awarding of these contacts is a significant step forward in the delivery of this ambitious and far reaching programme of enhancements.

“The EGIP programme will deliver significant benefits for communities across central Scotland and will further improve the appeal of rail as a greener alternative to the car.”

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson added: “The Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvements Programme will revolutionise the rail network in central Scotland bringing real and lasting benefits to rail passengers. The award of these substantial contracts will also help Scotland’s hard-pressed construction sector through these challenging times, supporting jobs and helping accelerate economic recovery.

“I’m delighted some of first tangible signs on the ground will soon be seen in the delivery of this exciting programme of rail improvements.”

11 August 2010

Scotland’s first National Project on schedule

With just over one year to go to the opening of Scotland’s first National Project, Stewart Stevenson, minister for transport, infrastructure and climate change took the opportunity to visit the new Port of Loch Ryan for a progress report.

Stevenson met with senior officials from ferry company Stena Line for a briefing. The company are investing £200m in a new 28 acre site, two miles north of Cairnryan. The new facility will accommodate a port and terminal as well as new tonnage for the route to Northern Ireland, which is firmly on schedule to open in autumn 2011. The new port facility will provide a significant number of economic and infrastructure benefits as part of the UK’s third largest gateway.

The main contractor is McLaughlin & Harvey of Northern Ireland, with PT McWilliams the main subcontractor. Dredging is underway with the vessels Loch Foyle and Argus. Shore based operations are constructing rock bund jetties following ground condition survey work by Glovers.

Stevenson said,

"I am pleased to be able to see real progress on and off site. Stena Line’s £200m investment in the new port, with two new vessels on the route, is safeguarding 500 jobs in the operation of the port and creating around 900 new jobs in construction, a welcome boost to the local economy. The new port will allow fuel efficient crossings between Scotland and Northern Ireland and help enable the regeneration of Stranraer as a marine leisure area."

Dermot Cairns, Stena Line’s general manager for travel on the Irish Sea said

“We are right on schedule for the proposed opening of the new port facility in autumn 2011. We have faced a number of challenges to date but are confident that we have been able to address most of the major structural demands associated with developing a new port and are now bang on schedule to deliver Scotland’s first National Project on time and on budget."

The new port will provide Stena Line with the opportunity to offer its customers shorter journey times between Scotland and Northern Ireland helping to drive the level of tourism and freight business between both countries. In addition, the new facility will also provide environmental benefits in the form of reduced CO2 emissions from shorter sailings between Loch Ryan Port and Belfast Port.

In addition to developments at the new port location, work is also progressing on the road infrastructure to and from the new port, primarily passing improvements on both the A75 and A77. The road upgrade work has been schedule to finish ahead of the opening of the new port to optimise traffic management when the port is fully operational.

9 August 2010

Bathgate Station On Track For Autumn Opening

Network Rail director Scotland, Ron McAulay and Scottish Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson got an exclusive preview of the new Bathgate station when they visited the work site recently to review progress on the construction of the Airdrie-Bathgate rail link project.

Bathgate station is the largest structure being built for passenger use on the line and, when completed in October, will offer the local travelling public one of the most accessible travel facilities in Scotland.

Ron McAulay, Network Rail’s director, Scotland said:

“Being able to see inside the new station building and to walk across the new footbridge provides a real sense of the project’s achievements to date. Viewing these structures at first hand is tangible proof that we are making excellent progress towards completing not only Bathgate Station, but the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link as a whole.

“The opening of the relocated Bathgate station in October will mark a major milestone for the project. Construction is continuing to progress well and, when complete, Bathgate will enjoy a station facility befitting the town and its people.”

Stewart Stevenson, Scottish Government Transport Minister said:

"Scotland has the toughest climate change legislation anywhere in the world and our ambitious climate change delivery plan means persuading motorists to get out of their cars and use more sustainable forms of transport.

“The new facilities at Bathgate station, with expanded parking facilities and provision for cyclists among many of the improvements, will encourage motorists to do just that.”

The new Bathgate station, which will be operated by ScotRail, has been relocated 400 metres to the east of the existing station and will include two platforms, a footbridge, lifts and stairs. It will also include a ticket office, waiting shelters, ticket vending machine and help points for passengers on each platform. Both station and car park will be monitored by CCTV.

The station will boast 400 parking spaces (including 20 reserved for Blue Badge holders), a bank of cycle racks, pick-up/drop off zone, taxi waiting area and two bus stops. A newly created traffic light controlled junction will also be installed to enable easier access for vehicles and to manage the flow of traffic around the station.

Since work began on the station project in May 2009, Network Rail has worked in partnership with a range of partners such as West Lothian Council, SEPA, Transport Scotland and Scotrail to ensure that disruption has been kept to a minimum for local residents. The station has been built in close proximity to an operational railway and, despite significant engineering challenges, the existing line serving Bathgate has only required short periods of inactivity to allow the installation of the passenger footbridge.

Bathgate station is one of two which have been rebuilt in a new location, the other being Drumgelloch. Livingston North and Uphall have been upgraded and three new purpose built stations have been constructed in Armadale, Blackridge and Caldercruix.

Under the new timetable, four trains per hour will stop in each direction with an approximate journey time of 25 minutes to Edinburgh and 45 minutes to Glasgow.

The £300m Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link is funded by Transport Scotland.

3 August 2010

Bus lane consultation begins

A consultation to consider the introduction of decriminalised enforcement of bus lane offences by cameras is now underway.

Following a request from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen councils, the Scottish Government has agreed to consult on the extension of powers to local authorities, currently operating decriminalised parking enforcement, to enforce bus lane offences by camera.

These new powers, which would be in addition to current police enforcement, would allow local authorities to better manage the flow of public transport and improve the quality of bus services in their areas.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

“The Scottish Government is committed to improving public transport to help more people make the switch from private car to more sustainable, greener modes of transport.

“We would encourage all those with an interest to respond to this consultation.”

The consultation is open to all members of the public who may be affected by the scheme and can be accessed online www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations or can be requested from Iain Gardiner, Bus, Road Safety and Local Roads Policy Division, Area 2-F, Scottish Government, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ.

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