« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
RECENT RESEARCH REPORTS
Research published since the previous edition of
Scottish Transport Statistics are listed below. They are
available from the Scottish Executive Social Research
website
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Research/Research/17692/SocialResearchPubs/TransportAndPlanning
Integrated Ticketing in Scotland - Needs Analysis
and Options (
DD Research Findings 2004 No 195)
The Scottish Executive commissioned
TNS Social Research,
TRL and
TRi at Napier University to conduct
research to inform the development of integrated ticketing
in Scotland. The methods adopted were wide-ranging,
including a literature review, a telephone survey of
stakeholders, case studies of existing integrated ticketing
schemes, a review of legal and policy barriers to
establishing new schemes, a Household Survey of Scottish
adults to explore their views on different types of
tickets, and statistical modelling to predict the potential
take-up for integrated ticketing in different areas of
Scotland. The research provided an overview of the level of
need and demand for future integrated ticketing schemes in
Scotland and advice to inform the development of successful
schemes.
Review of the Rural Petrol Stations Grant Scheme (
DD Research Findings 2004 No 186)
The Scottish Executive commissioned Steer
Davies Gleave to review the Rural Petrol Stations Grant
Scheme that has been in place since 1998 with the objective
"to support the retention of a sustainable and accessible
network of fuel supply in rural Scotland". The study
evaluated the funding mechanism of the grant and evaluated
the benefits that arise from it. Options for future changes
to the scheme were identified and appraised, and from
these, recommendations made which were used to introduce an
expansion of the scheme from October 2004.
Anti-social Behaviour on Buses (
DD Research Findings 2005 No 196)
The Scottish Executive commissioned George
Street Research to investigate the extent and impact of
anti-social behaviour on Scottish buses. The research
comprised a literature review, a household survey,
qualitative and quantitative surveys among bus company
staff and bus drivers and qualitative discussions among key
stakeholders.
ASB on buses has been experienced by 70%
of bus users and is perceived to be increasing in terms of
both its frequency and seriousness. Rudeness, drunken
behaviour, dumping litter and smoking cigarettes were most
frequently experienced by passengers.
ASB was experienced most frequently by
bus drivers between 9pm and 12pm. There was a higher
incidence of
ASB on buses in socially deprived urban
areas.
ASB on buses could be reduced through
improved reporting of
ASB, improved training for bus drivers,
increased partnership working and the use of educational,
physical and preventative strategies.
Motorcycle Accidents and Casualties in Scotland
1992 -2002 (
DD Research Findings 2004 No 194)
The Scottish Executive and the Scottish
Road Safety Campaign commissioned
TRL Ltd. to undertake research into
motorcycle accidents in Scotland. The research provided a
quantitative and qualitative analysis of motorcycle
accidents between 1992 and 2002 in order to highlight
trends and identify measures that could be taken to reduce
the number and severity of motorcycle accidents in
Scotland. The research showed that although the number of
motorcycle accidents is increasing, the casualty rate per
million kilometres and per 1,000 licensed bikes is not
increasing. Motorcycle accidents occurring on non-built up
roads are more likely to be the fault of the biker whereas
motorcycle accidents occurring in built up areas tend to be
the fault of the motorist.
Parental Attitudes to Road Safety Education (
DD Research Findings 2004 No 190)
In August 2003 the Scottish Executive
commissioned
ODS Ltd. and Market Research
UK to carry out research into parental
attitudes to road safety education (
RSE) in Scotland. The impetus for this
research arose out of previous studies that have
demonstrated the central role that parents play in the road
safety education of their children. Research has also found
that the ability of parents to develop road safety
education varies widely and depends on a range of factors
and influences. The research found that parents perceive
themselves as having the main responsibility to develop
road safety awareness and skills in their children. Most
parents modify there behaviour when accompanied by their
children to act as role models and there is a need to
establish better linkages between schools and parents in
relation to road safety education.
Evaluation of the 2003/ 2004 Festive Drink Drive
Campaign (
DD Research Findings 2003 No 191)
The Scottish Executive and the Scottish
Road Safety Campaign commissioned mruk to evaluate the 2003
drink drive festive campaign and the broader 'Don't risk
it' drink drive campaign. The research comprised a survey
of 1,000 households and a series of focus groups and
in-depth interviews. Fieldwork was carried out between
February and April 2004. The research showed that the
concept of the 'risk' and possible consequences of drinking
and driving was perceived to be an appropriate and relevant
sentiment. However there are two significant challenges for
future campaign development. Firstly, there is a widespread
lack of acceptance of current thresholds and the amount of
alcohol which will impact upon an individuals ability to
drive competently. Secondly there were clear indications
that many respondents consider it unlikely that they will
be caught if they drink and drive. This stems from a lack
of visible evidence of enforcement.
Road Safety - By Accident or Design? (
SRSC 2004)
The Scottish Executive, Scottish Road
Safety Campaign and Communities Scotland commissioned
research to produce guidance on developing an inter-agency
approach to road safety in regeneration areas. The research
comprised a desk top review of road safety activity in
Scotland's regeneration areas, a review of case studies in
Europe and four detailed case studies of specific road
safety initiatives within Scotland.
Research carried out for the Scottish Executive has
highlighted the higher incidence rate of child road
accidents in deprived or disadvantaged areas of Scotland.
Across Scotland agencies and communities are working
together to regenerate disadvantaged areas, tackling issues
such as unemployment, social exclusion, community
cohesiveness and community safety. It is not always
realised how the improvement of road safety can make an
immense contribution to tackling these issues, in addition
to reducing the occurrence of road accidents. Where this
has been realised research has shown that activities to
improve road safety are most successful when an
inter-agency approach is adopted.
Rural Road Safety: A Literature Review (
DD Research Findings 2005 No 203)
The Scottish Executive and the Scottish
Road Safety Campaign commissioned
TRL Limited to undertake a review of
published literature covering road safety on rural roads.
The resulting review focussed on
UK research but also highlighted some
interesting international research. Key findings from the
literature review show that young drivers and motorcyclists
are disproportionately involved in accidents on Scottish
rural roads. Driver behaviour factors such as speed and
speeding; alcohol and drug use; driver fatigue and
sleepiness; and driver distraction are a key issue in rural
road accidents. Other factors identified as contributing to
rural road accidents are: wild animals (especially deer);
darkness; and tourist activity. Emergency service response
times in remote areas can affect the outcome of serious
accidents. Education and publicity campaigns rarely focus
on rural road safety. Driver training tends to focus on
basic control skills. There is evidence to suggest that
attitude rather than skill is related to crash
involvement.
Extent and Severity of Cycle Accident Casualties (
DD Research Findings 2003 No 204)
The Scottish Executive commissioned Carole
Millar Research to investigate the extent and severity of
cycling accidents both on- and off- road. Cyclists who
reported to one of five Accident and Emergency Departments
across Lothian and Borders Health Board were asked to
complete a questionnaire relating to their accident. In
total, completed forms were received from 806 casualties
aged five or over who had been injured as a result of a
pedal cycle accident between 1
st September 2003 and 31
st August 2004. This data was compared with the
STATS 19 accident data collected by the
police for the same area. The research showed that a large
proportion of cycling accidents occur off road. Adults are
more likely to wear cycling helmets that children and
STATS 19 data under-reports on-road
cycling accidents and fails to report off-road cycling
accidents.
Improving Road Safety Education for Children with
Additional Support Needs (
DD Research Findings 2003 No 205)
The Scottish Executive and the Scottish
Road Safety Campaign commissioned
ODS to investigate the travel patterns
and road safety requirements of children with Additional
Support Needs. The study focused predominantly on the needs
of children with mild to moderate learning difficulties,
including autistic spectrum disorders and Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder. Key findings show that the travel
patterns of children with learning difficulties are often
more restricted than those without. Children with mild to
moderate learning difficulties are more likely to display
behaviours which make road use more dangerous. Schools
generally adapt mainstream resources to suit individual
learning needs, and stressed the need for assistance in
adapting resources. Parents tended to focus on practical
roadside education, identified the need for appropriate
resources for use with their children and desired better
linkages with schools.
Bus Passenger Satisfaction 2004 (
DD Research Findings 2005 No 201)
Colin Buchanan were commissioned by the
Scottish Executive to carry out a series of telephone
interview surveys aimed at assessing bus passenger
satisfaction with local bus services throughout Scotland.
The surveys, which are carried out on an annual basis, seek
to monitor changes in satisfaction which are to be used to
inform decision making and policy development. This
research finding reports results from the November 2004
survey and compares them with the previous surveys
undertaken in November 2002 and 2003.
Public Perceptions of Travel Awareness - Phase 3 (
DD Research Findings 2005 No 202)
In Spring 2001, the Scottish Executive
commissioned a national baseline survey of public awareness
of travel initiatives and issues in Scotland. A follow up
survey was also carried out in Winter 2002/3 (Phase 2) with
Phase 3 in Autumn 2004. This report details the findings
from Phase 3 and provides comparisons with the previous
surveys where notable. The research was conducted by
TNS Social Research, in collaboration
with Professor Steve Stradling of Napier University and Dr
Jillian Anable of the Centre for Transport Policy at the
Robert Gordon University.
« Previous | Contents | Next »