7 May 2010
Response to TICC transport and land use planning inquiry
Transform Scotland this week responded to the TICC's call for evidence for the 'Inquiry into the relationship between transport and land use planning policies'
Tranform Scotland Director, Colin Howden said:
"There has been little progress towards attaining a more sustainable and integrated transport infrastructure by planning authorities. All too often rhetoric on sustainability has not matched planning decisions, which are car-centric in their outlook. Planning decisions such as the Aberdeen Western Bypass, Second Forth Road Bridge and the M74 Northern Extension, rather than encouraging a more sustainable model of transport, have encouraged car dependence and diverted funding away from truly sustainable transport projects.
Current planning in Scotland, based on car-dependence runs the risk of creating a situation where urban sprawl dominates, with a resulting loss of traditional community centres in favour of edge of town developments that can only be accessed by the motorist; as is the case in many US cities. Scotland has a choice though, it can choose to follow the lessons from our European neighbours, where there is a greater emphasis placed on the non-car user in planning decisions. This has led to many vibrant city centres, largely traffic free, which have managed to retain small and independent shops, and traditional communities.
Continued failures from local and central government on transport and planning decisions will mean not only the degradation of our towns and cities, but also that Scotland’s climate change emission reduction targets will not be met. It is time for government authorities to place sustainable transport at the heart of the planning agenda and to stop expensive road building projects that will not benefit the people of Scotland."