Minister for Transport Stewart Stevenson has today said the Scottish Government is working to deliver greener transport alternatives, as he opened a new park and ride scheme, complete with spaces for 561 cars, on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
Speaking at the opening of the Sheriffhall park and ride, Stevenson said: “This is a fantastic new facility at Sheriffhall which will not only reduce the number of cars on our roads network, it will deliver real benefits for our environment.
“Over 500 cars a day will now be removed from the important roads linking our capital city with the Lothians.
“In the current climate, that is all the more important. Whilst there are ample fuel supplies to last us well into May despite industrial action at Grangemouth, there is an opportunity for us all to do our bit.
“People across the country have the chance to think about their travel habits, and take advantage of great facilities like this one - limiting the use of their car in favour of public transport.
“They might even find that they prefer it. I have spoken to many commuters who say that using park and ride facilities has led to reduced daily stress, saving them the frustration of being caught up in rush hour traffic.
“Reduced congestion, fewer cars on our roads, and a less polluted environment – this facility, and others like it across the country, will deliver real benefits for Scotland.”
The chair of SEStran, the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership, Councillor Russell Imrie, added: “Sheriffhall is the latest of a series of planned Park & Ride sites that SEStran is developing around the capital, in cooperation with our local authority partners. Sheriffhall takes 561 cars – that’s 561 vehicles a day off the city’s roads at this site alone. Park and Ride is an important element in our strategy to reduce congestion in the region and keep Edinburgh moving.”
“There is no point in expecting people to give up their cars unless they have a viable alternative. Commuters using Sheriffhall have a safe place to park and a quick trip into town for a fare of £1.20 or less. It’s quick, efficient, cost effective, and will contribute towards reducing the region’s carbon footprint.”
The Sheriffhall facility, located on the A7 between Danderhall and the Sheriffhall roundabout, is the latest in a series of planned park and ride facilities around Edinburgh being developed by SEStran in partnership with local government. The aim is to help reduce traffic pressures in the capital, manage predicted growth in traffic volume and give commuters a real alternative to driving to work.
Readers have left 3 comments. 1. Transport Minister says Government committed to greener transpor
Anonymous, Unregistered I can't see how park and rides on the edge of the city make much of a contribution to lowering Edinburgh's carbon footprint. Presumably most users will drive from outlying towns, and this means they'll take a bus for the last 3-4 miles only. They still drive the majority of their journeys...
The better way would be to site park & rides at these outlying towns (esp those that aren't served by rail links) eg Penicuik, Dalkeith, and run the buses all the way from there. That WOULD cut people's carbon footprint. 2. Transport Minister says Government committed to greener transpor
pssd, Unregistered Is the Transport Minister willing to give up his ministerial car for public transport, if not - why not?
I am willing to offer odds on this, book open now...
Of course Stewart is a mathematician, perhaps he can help me with the probability of meeting a commuting MSP on a park and ride bus???? 3. Transport Minister says Government committed to greener transpor
tom, Unregistered When an mp goes and buys his hybrid vehicle, who pays for it? Probably me, the tax payer. How do I buy mine?
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