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Annex D
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh
Victoria Quay is located to the east of Edinburgh City Centre. Pedestrian access is via Commercial Street, Ocean Drive and Dock Place. Vehicular access is via Ocean Drive.
The 2006 travel survey indicates that 21% of respondents that are based at Victoria Quay travel to work by bus, 49% by car (including passengers), 18% walk, 5% commute by rail, 6% cycle and 1% travel by other means.
Pedestrians
There is some conflict between pedestrians coming from Commercial Street and vehicles at the vehicle drop off area. This area is located adjacent to the main entrance to the building.
Pedestrian crossings are provided on the internal road to the east and west of the main entrance, these however are not easily accessible for pedestrians coming from Commercial Street and are mainly for patrons of the car park.
PEDESTRIAN RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Investigate the possibility of more signage on internal road i.e. additional signs alerting drivers to pedestrians.
2. Make the designated crossing points more accessible to those walking into the building.
3. Consider the feasibility of installing speed tables at either side of the drop off area. This will improve driver awareness of pedestrians crossing.
4. Investigate the option of either segregating pedestrians or re-colouring the surface in the drop off area to increase awareness for all users.
5. Market to employees and visitors the location of pedestrian links available giving access to public transport and local facilities.
Cyclists
Cycle parking is provided. There are 150 cycle spaces that are sheltered and monitored by CCTV. Shower and locker facilities are also provided.
The National Cycle Network ( NCN) is immediately adjacent to Victoria Quay, this provides a direct link (on and off road) with the city centre and the main rail and bus stations.
The results of the 2006 travel survey indicate that 5% of all respondents have taken an advance to purchase a bicycle, however 8% of all respondents were unaware of the scheme.
Due to on-road parking to the immediate west of the Victoria Quay car park barriers, there are some issues with cyclists accessing the internal off-road cycle path from the west.
CYCLE RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Consider measures to ensure access to the cycle path entrance is free from obstruction such as the provision of a TRO (traffic regulation order).
2. Ensure that all employees are aware of the salary advance to purchase a bicycle.
3. Consider the introduction of a "pool bike" scheme.
4. Provide employees with information on viable cycle routes between Victoria Quay and other Scottish Government offices in Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament.
5. Market the advantages of the nearby National Cycle Network ( NCN).
Bus Infrastructure
The nearest bus stops to Victoria Quay are located within a 2 minute walk on Commercial Street. Further bus stops are located at Ocean Terminal, which is within a 5 minute walk of Victoria Quay.
All bus stops are covered, have seating and display timetable and route information. The bus stops also benefit from real time information. This is also provided on electronic displays within the main reception area of the building.
Bus Service Provision
There are several bus routes serving the immediate vicinity of Victoria Quay. The majority of buses are scheduled to arrive every 10 to 15 minutes.
Service 22 runs from Ocean Terminal to the Gyle Shopping Centre at a frequency of at least every 10 minutes. This service provides direct access from Victoria Quay to St Andrews House and Saughton House.
Service 35 runs to a 15 minute frequency and provides direct access from Victoria Quay to the Scottish Parliament, Pentland House and Edinburgh Airport.
Service 36 runs to a 30 minute frequency and provides direct access from Victoria Quay to the Airport and City Centre.
BUS RECOMMENDATIONS
1. 7% of all respondents are unaware of the interest free salary advance for annual season tickets. More publicity of this scheme may encourage a higher take up.
2. Continue to utilise and market the City singles.
3. Ensure bus information is available over the intranet.
4. Provide bus users with information on the most appropriate bus stop to use on Commercial Street when travelling from the city. This should coincide with the location of the nearest available pedestrian crossing.
5. Ensure employees are aware of the bus services which provide public transport access to the other Scottish Government offices in Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament from Victoria Quay.
Rail Infrastructure
The nearest rail station to Victoria Quay is Edinburgh Waverley. The station can be accessed by direct public bus services and is approximately 3.4 km from Victoria Quay.
As one of the main rail stations in the UK, it has excellent facilities for travellers. This includes large real time information displays, cycle storage, lockers and large, comfortable waiting areas. The station is staffed 24 hours and provides access to the main cities throughout the UK.
RAIL RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Encourage employees to access www.firstgroup.com, www.transportdirect.co.uk and www.traveline.org.uk
2. Provide information to visitors on longer distance trips to consider accessing Pentland House by rail.
3. Encourage employees on longer distance trips to consider travel by rail as a good alternative to the private car.
Motorcyclists
Motorcycle parking is available that is covered, lit and monitored by CCTV.
Motorcycle spaces are located close to the building entrance and motorcyclists have access to lockers, showers and a laundry room.
Private Car
There are 670 car parking spaces available on site. 522 are designated for staff, 79 for visitors and 69 are reserved. At the time of the audit the car park was nearly full.
The car park surface is well maintained and the car park is lit, signposted and monitored by CCTV. There is adequate pedestrian access to the building from the car park.
CAR TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Designate a car sharing area in close proximity to the building entrance, approximately 10 spaces initially.
2. Implement a system to ensure there is no misuse of the car sharing scheme.
3. Consider the re-evaluation of the parking permit system using a needs based assessment.
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