« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
INTRODUCTION
1. This Planning Advice Note (
PAN) accompanies
SPP17 Planning for Transport. Reference
should be made to
SPP17 for guidance on policy.
2. Delivery of Scottish Executive policy depends, to a
large extent, on action at the local level. The
PAN provides good practice guidance
which planning authorities, developers and others should
carry out in their policy development, proposal assessment
and project delivery. The document aims to create greater
awareness of how linkages between planning and transport
can be managed. It highlights the roles of different bodies
and professions in the process and points to other sources
of information.
3. The information provided and the examples given in
this
PAN are not exhaustive. It is intended
to be used as an initial reference point. Local
flexibility, appropriate to particular circumstances, would
be appropriate.
4.
Annex A provides links to
useful data sources. The remaining annexes are summaries of
recent research findings and provide more detailed
information on topics covered.
INTEGRATING TRANSPORT
Integration
5. The aim of Scottish Ministers is to create an
accessible Scotland which has a safe, reliable and
sustainable transport system
1. Integration is key to delivery. The integration of
land use planning with transport, taking account of
environmental aims and policies, and policies on economic
growth, education, health
2 and the objective of a fairer, more inclusive society,
is crucial. Planning authorities should identify relevant
national and stakeholder strategies and consider their
co-ordination.
6. One focus of
SPP17 is to achieve better and earlier
integration between transport and land use planning at
national, regional and local level. Integration can reduce
the need to travel and offer more sustainable travel
choices. To achieve sustainable development the objectives
of
SPP17 must be considered in the context
of other planning policy and guidance.
7. The intention is for new developments to be user
focused and for the transport element to promote genuine
choice, so that each mode contributes its full potential
and people can move easily between different modes.
Consideration should be given to freight logistics as well
as person travel.
8. Effective working practice involves different
professions understanding and working with one another,
either within or outwith planning. Land use planners and
transport professionals should work together to develop
complementary and co-ordinated policies and proposals which
contribute to integration within and between different
modes of transport.
9. Table 1 is a generalised indication of the statutory
and non-statutory responsibilities of key stakeholders. For
policies and proposals to be successful in practice, a
willingness to work together across the range of interests
is essential.
Table 1. Generalised Responsibilities.
Professional | Responsibility
3 | Body |
Development Policy Planner | Policy development | Local authority |
Development Management Planner | Proposal assessment | Local authority |
Transport Planner / Engineer | Regional Transport Strategy | Regional partnership e.g.
SESTRAN |
Transport Planner / Engineer | Local Transport Strategy | Local authority |
Trunk Road Network Management | Trunk Roads | Scottish Executive Transport Group |
SPT | Public transport strategy and project
delivery | West Central Scotland |
Planning and Transport Consultants | Advice & information to individual
clients | Private Sector |
Transport Strategies
4
10. The 4 regional transport partnerships across
Scotland have all developed transport strategies covering
their region. These are the product of voluntary joint
working between local authorities (including
SPT in the west of Scotland) and other
stakeholders. Following the Transport White Paper,
strategic regional transport partnerships covering the
whole of Scotland have been proposed
5. Regional Transport Strategies will take a strategic
approach to transport across the region. They should be
closely related to local transport strategies and to
structure and local plans
6.
11. Local Transport Strategies (
LTSs) are not statutory, but all local
authorities have chosen to produce one. They set out the
local authority's objectives, strategies and implementation
plans for transport in their area. They should be
consistent with the latest guidance from the Scottish
Executive Transport Group,
SPP17 and up to date development plan
policies. They should also closely relate to strategies
produced by regional transport partnerships.
Development Plans
12. Development plan policy has a role in implementing
transport strategy while transport strategy should take
account of development plan commitments. Transport
strategies and development plan policies should therefore
be developed having regard to one another.
13. The strategic aims of policy need to be implemented
by influencing the attitude and behaviour of every
individual. Policy development and implementation can be
informed and achieved by targeting the reasons why people
travel, the mode by which they have the opportunity to
travel and their travel preferences and behaviour.
14. A number of practical measures, both qualitative and
quantitative, can be used to deliver successful transport
outcomes. This
PAN provides examples of good practice
guidance on these measures through publicising recent
research.
Associated Regulatory
Mechanisms
15. Transport aspects of land use planning will also
need to have regard to:
- Air quality regimes: the National Air Quality
Strategy; the statutory air quality objectives; and
designated air quality management areas.
- Noise quality regimes: the noise impact of new
transport infrastructure on existing land uses and any
noise constraints that existing transport
infrastructure impose on new development should be
taken into account in development management decisions
supported by general policies in development
plans.
- Water quality regimes:
SEPA have lead responsibility for
sustainable urban drainage (
SUDs) techniques. These should be
used for handling run-off from built development
including transport infrastructure in such a way as to
protect the quality of watercourses and the aquatic
environment. Land use aspects should be reflected in
development plans.
- Road traffic reduction targets and safety concerns
for all transport users.
- Landscape quality: land use and transport planning
should take into account impacts on landscape and use
of the countryside.
Co-operative Working
16. The early involvement of interested parties will
positively inform transport planning by building consensus
and minimising potential future areas of objection.
Consultation and feedback to those who have contributed is
crucial. Co-operation is the responsibility of ALL groups.
In addition to those listed above, other groups may
include:
- Other relevant internal and external local
authority departments;
- Local authority consortia i.e. Regional Transport
Partnerships;
- Freight Transport Association / Hauliers;
- Strategic Rail Authority
7;
- Rail and bus operators;
- Ferry operators;
- Transport user groups;
- British Waterways, port and airport operators;
- Special purpose implementation bodies e.g.
Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (
TIE);
- Local business communities;
- Urban designers;
- Disability groups;
- National and area based environmental organisations
e.g.
SNH;
- Police;
- National Park Authorities.
Transport Modelling
17. Modelling is usually undertaken by transport
planners in policy development and assessment of proposals.
Modelling can assist decision making by basing projections
on quantitative data and it can be used for different types
of assessment, for example mode choice, trip generation and
land use interactions.
18. Joint transport and land use models are being
developed which dynamically represent the interaction
between transport changes and land use patterns rather than
simply requiring land use data as a manual model input.
These models, if used with care, can be very useful in
strategic land use planning. In simple terms they use
modelled transport outcomes to generate elements of future
year land use planning data.
19. A number of Scottish transport models already exist.
These range from strategic models covering large areas to
relatively small but detailed single junction simulation
models. The Transport Model for Scotland (
TMfS) is a strategic level model now
available for use by local authorities. It covers 90% of
Scotland's population, including the central belt and up to
and including Aberdeen. It is related to the
TELMOS model which uses an economic land
use model input, covers the whole of Scotland and contains
planning data from all 32 planning authorities.
20. The intermediate level of models are the more
detailed transport assignment models, such as the Saturn
type model. At the most detailed level are the
micro-simulation models, for example PARAMICS.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT
21. Analysis of the existing situation or base case is a
crucial element in understanding and influencing change in
the type of journeys people take and how they make them. It
provides a benchmark against which future options can be
measured. In developing their policies planning authorities
should have regard to the following mechanisms and
factors.
Accessibility Analysis
8
22. Good accessibility will be achieved where many
people are linked to opportunities by networks of regular,
reliable and affordable travel. Accessibility analysis is a
useful technique in assessing development as it focuses on
individual travel rather than on different transport modes.
It can be used as an alternative or alongside other
techniques to underpin policy development and to inform
mode share targets for individual proposals. It allows the
quantitative consideration of links between transport and
other issues and helps to ensure that the most efficient
resource allocation is made to focus development in
sustainable locations. The science of logistics
incorporates accessibility analysis for freight movements.
Further information on the implementation of personal
accessibility analysis (approaches, features and examples)
is given in
annex B.
Location Policy
9
23. In development planning, and for developers choosing
sites for proposals, the starting point should be Scottish
Planning Policy. Sites which do not conform to the relevant
SPP are unlikely to be sustainable
transport accessible sites. Within that framework, the
assessment of accessibility by different modes should
ideally be undertaken for a number of possible sites before
decisions are made on possible locations and site
layouts.
24. Development plan policy should encourage development
of significant travel generating proposals at locations
which are key nodes on the public transport network, that
have a potential for higher density development and a
potential for mixed use development with an emphasis on
high quality design and innovation. These locations should
encourage modal shift of people and freight by providing
good linkages to rail, walking and cycling networks and
with vehicular considerations, including parking, having a
less significant role. Mixed use development, for example
the inclusion of local shops and services within larger
housing developments, can encourage multi-purpose trips and
reduce overall distances travelled by car by bringing
together related land uses.
25. Planning authorities, through development plan
policy, should give greater recognition to the potential of
sites where accessibility can be improved by developer or
public funding. Advantages can be gained by different
interest groups including greater accessibility for
employees and service industries, a reduction in congestion
and the stabilisation of traffic growth creating good
conditions for further investment. Assessment of such
locations should be based on comparative analyses of
accessibility together with an assessment of other land
uses and local plan policies. During the assessment process
planning authorities must be aware of the realities of
local economic and social conditions relating to
development.
26. Key locations designated in development plans should
aim to be destinations in their own right, with a sense of
place created through an emphasis on quality. Urban design
is a crucial aspect of placemaking
10. Designation of such locations will identify
opportunities and give confidence to stakeholders.
Mode Share Targets (
MSTs)
11
27. Depending on the intrinsic accessibility of a
location or wider area, measured using accessibility
analysis, and based on the sustainable transport objectives
of the authority, an assessment can be made of desirable
mode shares for transport movements to and from that
location or area. In order to meet the objectives of that
assessment, mode share targets can be set for a given time
period. Targets which promote modal shift are valuable in
encouraging developers and operators to look innovatively
at possibilities for increasing accessibility. The
Transport Assessment process should then establish ways to
accommodate or mitigate the impacts of less sustainable
transport modes in order to meet the mode share targets.
Further information is provided in
annex C.
28. Mode share targets are applicable to new
development, change of use proposals and extensions to
existing developments. They can be set for:
- The authority area as a whole, a sub-area and for
categories of development as specified by the
authority.
- Any large new re/development area where there is a
design statement
12 planning brief or master plan.
- Any development for which a travel plan is
required.
29. 'No-net-detriment' is a useful aim in setting mode
share targets. No-net-detriment means for example, no net
increase in travel time or risk of accident as a result of
the development. More restrictive targets are however
desirable, for example an increase in public transport mode
share over a given period.
Parking Standards
30. Parking policies should support the overall
locational policies in the development plan. The
availability of parking, for both cars and cycles,
influences the choice of transport. Parking policies must
be handled sensitively and adapted to particular local
circumstances, for example through the development of a
local authority's own maximum and optional underpinning
minimum parking standards.
31. The method for deriving the standards should
consider local characteristics, including:
- Accessibility analysis, particularly by non-car
modes;
- Economic development factors, in terms of levels of
activity;
- Levels and targets for walking and cycling;
- Levels of car ownership, use and movement
patterns;
- Need for traffic restraint;
- Potential over-spill impacts;
- Neighbouring authorities' standards;
- Availability of alternative parking (on and off
street); and
- Potential for shared use of spaces.
32. For implementation at a local level a zonal approach
is recommended. Measures that can influence parking can
include:
- A maximum number of parking spaces being provided,
underpinned where appropriate by a minimum to avoid
undesirable off-site overspill parking;
- On site parking charges / permits to discourage
long term parking;
- Parking located closer to the building for short
stay, mobility impaired and late night / shift
work;
- Dual use car parks serving both new stores and
wider town centres;
- Encouragement of car-sharing by using a database
and preferential parking spaces;
- Establishment of car sharing or a car pool;
- Complementary restrictions, i.e. on-street
restrictions in the surrounding area;
- Secure, covered cycle parking.
33. Monitoring of use and effects is important after
implementation. This should take account of experience,
evolving objectives and changing patterns of
characteristics. A review of standards should be undertaken
at intervals no greater than 5 years. Any changes in car
parking policies should not impact negatively on spaces
allocated for disabled people, parents and children and car
sharing schemes.
Design
34. All new and re-development proposals should be
designed for safety and the convenience of all users. Good
design and layout of a development can significantly
improve the ease of access by non-car modes, for
example:
- Entrances to be as close as possible to
pedestrian routes and bus stops; and
- Links to cycle networks, with secure parking
near the main entrance.
35. Proposals should be specifically tailored to local
circumstances, aspirations and priorities, for example
speed management strategies, attractive green space and
landscaping, in order to bring a wide range of social and
community benefits and improve quality of life. Design of
public transport facilities should be user friendly and
attractive as well as functional to encourage and retain
modal shift. Consideration should also be given to the
opportunities afforded by mobile and broadband
communication to enable substitution of choices, for
example home working.
36. The Dutch Home Zones (Woonerfen) are a leading
example of the use of design measures to integrate
transport and land use
13. In Britain Home Zones heve evolved in the context of
regeneration projects, though the general design principles
are also relevant to and more easily applied to the design
of new housing layouts
14. Local authorities can assist in such initiatives with
the production of design guides, local design statements
and development briefs.
Commitments
37. Schemes in committed programmes and/or those at an
advanced stage of preparation, where work is expected to
commence within the plan period, should be included in the
local plan proposals maps. This will include schemes upon
which the development strategy depends even if the method
of funding is uncertain at the outset. Other schemes should
merit only a description in the text, the level of detail
dependent on the degree of commitment.
Blight
38. Safeguarding for transport schemes where proposals
are now unlikely to be taken forward should be removed,
thus removing the effects of blight. This is especially
important for proposals, such as major road widening, which
affect large numbers of existing properties. Clearly, any
significant development proposals which were dependent on
the scheme will have to be reviewed and alternative
transport arrangements made.
DEVELOPMENT
MANAGEMENT
39. Decisions made in respect of specific planning
proposals should aim to put into practice the policies of
SPP17. The following section provides
good practice advice on some practical mechanisms to
achieve successful outcomes.
Transport Assessment
40.
SPP17 requires a transport assessment to
be produced for significant travel generating developments.
Transport Assessment is a tool that enables delivery of
policy aiming to integrate transport and land use planning.
Reference should be made to "Transport Assessment and
Implementation: A Guide" for detailed information on this
process
15. Further information is also given in
annex D.
41. All planning applications that involve the
generation of person trips should provide information which
covers the transport implications of the development. The
level of detail will be proportionate to the complexity and
scale of impact of the proposal. This will provide an
indication of whether a transport assessment should be
carried out. As a change of use could result in different
travel characteristics a transport assessment should be
requested where the change is likely to result in a
material change in trips. For smaller developments the
information on transport implications will enable local
authorities to monitor potential cumulative impact and for
larger developments it will form part of a scoping exercise
for a full transport assessment. Development applications
will therefore be assessed by relevant parties at levels of
detail corresponding to their potential impact.
Travel Plans
16
42. Travel Plans are documents that set out a package of
positive and complementary measures for the overall
delivery of more sustainable travel patterns for a specific
development. Their ability and success in influencing
travel patterns is dependent upon the commitment of the
developer and occupier of a development. Travel plans
should be implemented to encourage a shift in transport
mode for those travelling to and from a development. More
detailed information on travel plans is provided in
annex E.
43. Travel plans have been demonstrated to be applicable
to a wide range of establishments, such as schools,
businesses, hospitals and airports, and their various
travel requirements, for example staff travel, customer /
visitor travel, business travel and freight and logistics.
These should specifically consider travel for those whose
mobility is impaired. For residential land uses, travel
plans may set out measures which will be used as an
incentive to house purchasers to use non-car travel modes,
but setting targets is generally not practicable for this
land use. Sustainability in housing should come through
design in relation to walking, cycling and public transport
networks.
44. It is recommended that the appropriate use of travel
plans should be determined by considering the potential
contribution a development can make to sustainable travel.
All applications meeting the threshold for a transport
assessment should require a travel plan; developments below
the threshold may nevertheless contribute to sustainable
travel. As planning applications can be submitted as
detailed or in outline it is recommended that travel plans
should also follow a two stage process. A travel plan
framework should be agreed at the planning application
stage.
Outline applications
45. Where the occupier is speculative or unknown the
planning conditions which would be associated with the
travel plan should include physical / infrastructure
facilities to encourage walking and cycling, for example
adequate storage provision, showering facilities, links to
wider walking and cycling networks and possible provision
of additional public transport facilities. The plan at this
stage should concentrate on output measures e.g. the number
of trips by different modes that can be accommodated on the
network. Any outline permission given should pass on the
commitment to develop a full travel plan to the end user
and enable future development and modification of the
travel plan.
Detailed applications
46. Where the occupier is known measures should be more
robust. The travel plan should incorporate a variety of
measures and targets to encourage sustainable travel, such
as
MSTs, an implementation time scale and
an agreed monitoring and review process. The setting up of
a working group to oversee the travel plan is also
encouraged, as is a trust fund for additional remedial
measures if targets of the plan are not met.
47. If the planning authority is minded to grant consent
for a development proposal which will be supported by a
travel plan, a detailed indication of the contents of the
travel plan should be submitted along with the planning
application. This would include a statement of commitment,
intentions for the survey, targets and basic measures and
monitoring procedures.
48. To ensure compliance with targets, 'correction
procedures' should be incorporated into the section 75
legal agreement. The consequences of not meeting the
targets set should be agreed and defined clearly in any
agreement. They may take the form of remedial action or may
be related to suspensive conditions on further development
related to the proposal. The procedures should always be
specific to the development proposal, to which the travel
plan relates.
Monitoring
49. The monitoring of the operation and implementation
of a travel plan are key elements. Monitoring should not be
an afterthought but incorporated into the design of the
travel plan from the outset to ensure efficient and
consistent review of the process. Those carrying out the
monitoring should be identified in the means by which the
travel plan is enforced: the condition to the planning
consent or the section 75 planning agreement. Monitoring
should commence from the occupation of the development and
be an on-going process leading to an annual review and
update of the travel plan. It should be in line with the
review of the Local Transport Strategy.
Planning Agreements
17
50. Planning agreements can be used to overcome
obstacles to the grant of planning permission. By securing
developer contributions, proposals can be made acceptable
in land use and transport terms, for example through the
provision of public transport infrastructure.
51. Conditions, possibly suspensive conditions, can be
applied in respect of those aspects of the transport
assessment which represent physical transport
infrastructure to be undertaken as part of the overall
development e.g. footpath and cycle access, bus laybys,
parking for disabled people. Section 75 agreements can be
used where funding is essential for less directly linked
infrastructure e.g. improvements to the surrounding public
road network, part funding of a new rail station. A
requirement to create a travel plan for end users can take
the form of a condition on the planning consent or be
specified within a section 75 agreement. If an agreement is
to be used, it must relate to a travel plan that is in all
its essentials defined as part of the planning application,
as the agreement will form part of the consent granted. The
agreement will then be recorded in the Register of Sasines
or the Land Register and will be a burden on the land,
regardless of the occupier, unless discharged by agreement.
This will ensure that it is legally binding on subsequent
holders of title in terms of its definition, application
and implementation, monitoring and review.
52. Using an agreement in this way need not mean that
the travel plan is a fixed document. When the intention is
to influence occupiers' behaviour to achieve sustainable
travel objectives, the travel plan has to be capable of
being changed in relation to monitoring. So the original
travel plan should set objectives and targets, focus on
outcomes in terms of mode share and traffic volumes, and
define the best estimate at the outset of what measures are
required to achieve these objectives. But it should also
define what action will be required if reality diverges
from the desired outcomes, and what mechanisms will be used
to revise proposals to achieve the objectives. The
agreement will therefore be a combination of developer
measures, statements of what they are expected to achieve,
and understandings of what action will be required to
correct divergence.
Environmental
Assessment
53. Circular 15/1999 explains The Environmental Impact
Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999. The regulations
apply to projects which require planning permission,
certain trunk road projects comprising construction and
improvement authorised under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984,
and drainage works authorised under the Land Drainage
(Scotland) Act 1958.
54. Schedule 1 projects (including motorways, lines for
long distance railway traffic and aerodromes with a runway
length of 2100 m or more) are always required to follow the
environmental impact assessment procedures. For other
transport projects which are listed in Schedule 2
(including a road, an aerodrome, canalisation, a tramway,
elevated or underground railways, or a modification to a
Schedule 1 development)
EIA will be required if the project is
likely to have significant environmental effects. If a
project requires an
EIA under the Regulations, any permitted
development rights are withdrawn and planning permission
must be sought.
55. A further Directive 2001/42/
EC on the assessment of the effects of
certain plans and programmes on the environment (commonly
referred to as the Strategic Environmental Assessment (
SEA) Directive) applies to development
plans and programmes from 21 July 2004. Technical and
informal queries may be directed to
SEPA,
SNH and Historic Scotland and all other
queries, including those relating to screening and scoping
procedures should be directed to the
SEA team within the Scottish Executive
18.
PROJECTS AND
PROPOSALS
Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance19
56. It is a requirement of the Scottish Executive that
all transport related projects which require its approval
or for which it provides funding shall be appraised in
accordance with the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance:
STAG (except for projects which were
before Scottish Ministers before July 2001).
57. It is recommended to local authorities and
consultants that
STAG is used for the appraisal of
transport projects for which they have responsibility. It
should be used by all organisations developing transport
projects or policies for all types and sizes of transport
planning exercises, from the development of a rural bus
scheme to a multi-modal corridor study.
58.
STAG provides a comprehensive source of
advice on all aspects of the project development process
from the earliest stages, through appraisal and
implementation to ex-post evaluation.
STAG sets out required practice. It is
therefore to be used as a first reference point when
commencing an appraisal of potential transport
developments. It is intended that transport appraisal
techniques will continue to develop over time. It is
therefore expected
STAG will be updated periodically.
59 Significant development proposals may potentially
require new access infrastructure or enhancements to
existing infrastructure, or otherwise result in potential
pressure on key national transport infrastructure or
resources without a fundamentally
STAG-based assessment having been
undertaken. Such proposals, either at development planning
or developer-led stages, will require to demonstrate a
particularly robust case including
STAG appraisal of the transport effects.
It will normally be necessary to look at the accessibility
of the site and its transport impacts in line with the
advice in this
PAN. A thorough study of the options
(e.g mixed modes) including those on land not owned by the
developer should be made, with alternatives to solely
road-based direct access to trunk roads or motorways
factored in. It cannot be assumed that development can
consume public infrastructure resources without this level
of justification. Such proposals will require to be
assessed using
STAG if any approval of or funding by
the Scottish Executive is necessary.
Roadside Services
60. Policy on roadside services is contained within
SPP17.
Annex F to this
PAN sets out the background definitions
and conditions under which development can be signed as
roadside services on the trunk road and motorway
network.
Influencing Travel
Modes
61. Influencing the choice of travel mode an individual
takes requires knowledge of how people travel and
understanding why people travel the way they do. The use of
measures and resources can then be targeted directly and
efficiently to influence behaviour.
General
62.
SPP17 refers to the contribution
different travel modes make to sustainable personal access.
In order of preference and as priorities for integrated
land use and transport planning they are walking, then
cycling, public transport and finally motorised modes. A
variety of measures can be implemented that encourage the
use of alternative modes of transport other than the car
20.
63. The implementation of the variety of measures given
below will be more effective through consultation with
interested parties. Both public and private sectors need to
demonstrate innovative and entrepreneurial thinking along
with a willingness to try alternatives. Linking with
voluntary and community schemes can prove successful and
provide good value solutions to local needs. Ideas can be
developed to suit particular circumstances, for example,
subsidised taxis for targeted groups.
64. When designing a proposal these measures can be
built into the development as incentives and disincentives
to reduce or alter trip making decisions and behaviour. The
measures can be specific to a particular mode, examples of
which are given below, or they can be more broadly
applicable, for example:
- The use of urban design principles
21;
- Setting up of a Transport Working Party for larger
proposals;
- Appointment of a Travel Co-ordinator.
Walking
65. Walking is the most sustainable mode and requires
relatively little investment to make it attractive,
particularly if planned and designed into a new development
from the outset. Planning can encourage walking to become
the prime mode for shorter journeys through arranging land
uses, by utilising urban design and encouraging specific
schemes, such as Safer Routes to Schools. Local pedestrian
networks should be analysed to provide the basis for
network-wide improvement programmes. Evaluation of new and
existing pedestrian routes should consider:
- Is the development likely to be a significant
attractor and generator of trips on foot, e.g. a
school, college or stadium;
- Is the development located on existing or
potential pedestrian links e.g. between a housing
estate and shops;
- What are the likely level of pedestrian flows,
at peak and off-peak times e.g. a cinema's peak
flows will be at different times to most
shops;
- What types of pedestrians are likely to use the
routes e.g. are flows predominantly the young,
elderly, women or mobility impaired.
66. Planning authorities should include proposals to
make appropriate areas and developments safer and more
attractive to people on foot. Individual proposals should
encourage walking by ensuring that pedestrian routes:
- Form networks with destination land uses, for
example housing, local neighbourhood facilities and
centres and consider the destinations special design
requirements, for example potential flows, desire
lines, time of use and pedestrians' need to avoid steep
inclines;
- Are of a high quality design, including directness,
signage, lighting, vegetation, drainage and surfacing
(material and width) for all users; and
- Provides for personal security and links safety
with other modes.
67. The
SNH Access Forum supports the
development of networks of paths, trails and green spaces
for walking, cycling and horse riding both in and around
settlements. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 requires
local authorities to draw up a network of Core Paths to
give the public reasonable access throughout their area.
These networks should wherever possible be linked to rail
and bus stations, bus stops and existing car parks. The
Walking Strategy for Scotland, to be published early in
2005, aims to guide and influence the development of local
walking strategies and provides advice on implementing
policy through practice.
Cycling22
68. There is no single correct method for developing
suitable cycling infrastructure and for the foreseeable
future most cycling will be on the existing road network.
Much therefore remains dependent on the effective
integration of cyclists' needs into the broader objectives
of local authorities' transport proposals, including
reallocation of road space. The aim is to provide and
maintain a safe, convenient and attractive cycle network
for users. Consideration, if relevant, should be given to
the local authority's cycle strategy and thought should be
given to the encouragement of:
- Cycle lanes and networks, especially those
radiating direct from proposals;
- Cycle crossing points being provided;
- Covered, secure and well located cycle
parking;
- Changing facilities;
- Utilisation of areas free from motorised traffic,
such as former railways, canal paths and bridleways;
and
- Suitable maintenance regimes.
Public Transport
69. Quality of public transport has to be high if
motorists are to be enticed out of their cars. A change in
mode can be encouraged through:
- Ensuring that new developments are well served
early on;
- High quality infrastructure, with regard to
interchanges, quality of vehicles and waiting areas and
integration with walking and cycling networks, Park and
Ride schemes and new railway stations;
- Diversion of existing services to a new
development;
- Bus priority measures on main public transport
corridors to the site;
- Good on-site access, stops and shelters and
information;
- Tendering or provision of new and/or additional bus
services and journeys to extend coverage by time of
day, day of week;
- Demand responsive services to fill gaps in public
transport coverage;
- Discounts on travel passes.
Inclusive Mobility
70. Everyone in society should have the opportunity for
independent mobility. Measures should therefore be
encouraged to make travel easier and more convenient for
those who have additional mobility needs. Planning
authorities are encouraged to consider developing
supplementary planning guidance relating to accessibility
for all. Such guidance could consider:
- Ensuring that local pedestrian networks are fully
accessible;
- Clear and accessible timetables;
- Provision of parking spaces for those with physical
disabilities, with children and the elderly in a
location where passengers do not have to cross the road
to reach their destination;
- Enforcement to ensure these spaces are not utilised
by those who do not need to use them;
- Left luggage lockers for those with luggage / heavy
shopping;
- Appropriate lighting and surveillance.
Waterways
71. Inland waterways are increasingly used for
recreation and land alongside can provide walking and
cycling routes. They are important for their heritage and
environmental value as well as for water supply and flood
defence. They are however, an operational estate therefore
access or diversion routes cannot be guaranteed and
developers wishing to use the amenity of the canal system
could be expected to make contributions towards facilities
and its maintenance. Their potential to retain or return to
a transport role should be assessed in liaison with the
appropriate body, for example British Waterways, and any
requirements incorporated into development plans. Severing
or adversely affecting inland waterways should be avoided.
New marinas and moorings should be located with good public
transport services, walking and cycling access.
CONCLUSIONS
72. This
PAN reinforces the principles and policy
set out in
SPP17. By aiming to provide a greater
choice of transport modes, land use and transport planning
can assist in influencing attitudes and changing the
behaviour of individuals.
73. The integration of land use and transport planning
is a key element of realising sustainable developments. By
prioritising involvement at the earliest possible stage in
the design process consensus can be built and experience
gained that will enhance future planning. Linking the
development plan and transport strategies taking into
account all other necessary considerations in a context of
co-operative working will greatly assist in achieving
successful transport outcomes.
ENQUIRIES
74. Enquiries about the content of this
PAN should be addressed to Carrie Smith,
SEDD Planning, Area 2-H, Victoria Quay,
Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ (0131 244 7529) or by e-mail to
carrie.smith@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.
This
PAN and other
SPPs,
PANs and a list of Circulars can be
viewed on the Scottish Executive website:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/planning.
« Previous | Contents | Next »