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Annex A
St Andrew's House, Edinburgh
St Andrew's House is located to the east of Princes Street on Regent Road. Main pedestrian and vehicle access is via Regent Road.
The 2006 travel survey indicates that 40% of St Andrew's House employees commute by bus, 18% by car (including passengers), 17% walk, 21% take the train, 2% cycle, 1% ride a motorcycle and 2% commute by other means.
Pedestrians
Direct pedestrian routes are available to nearby bus stops, the Waverley rail station and local facilities. These routes are well lit maintained and formal pedestrian crossings are provided at junctions.
The main pedestrian entrances are located at the front of the building and are segregated from the car park.
PEDESTRIAN RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Market to employees and visitors the location of pedestrian links available giving access to public transport and local facilities.
Cyclists
Cycle parking is provided within the west car park and the courtyard. Access to the parking is via the car parks entrances.
The west car park provides uncovered Sheffield Racks which require improvement.
Sheltered cycle parking is available within the courtyard in close proximity to the rear entrance.
Locker facilities with hanging space are available at the rear of the building in association with one electric shower. Further locker, showering and changing facilities are available in association with the gym facilities in the building. These showers are not electric and hot water is not available at the weekends.
The national cycle network is within 1km of St Andrew's House. This can be reached via greenways running along Princes Street. Local facilities can also be easily reached.
CYCLE RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Designate an area for sheltered cycle parking within the west car park in close proximity to the main pedestrian entrances. Market this parking to visitors as well as employees.
2. Increase the number of lockers with hanging space.
3. Ensure that all employees are aware of the salary advance to purchase a bicycle.
4. Market National Cycle Network ( NCN) routes to employees.
5. Provide employees with information on viable cycle routes between St Andrew's House and other Scottish Government offices in Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament.
6. Consider the introduction of a "pool bike" system.
Bus Infrastructure
The nearest bus stops are located on Waterloo Place within a 2 minute walk of St Andrew's House. Further bus stops are located on Leith Street, Princes Street and North Bridge. These bus stops are within a 5 minute walk of St Andrews House.
All bus stops are supplied with bus stop flags, shelters with seating. Timetable information, route and fare information are also on display.
A number of the bus stops located on Princes Street and Leith Street have the advantage of real time information.
Bus Service Provision
Bus services stopping in the immediate vicinity of St Andrew's House provide access to a number of the main residential areas within Edinburgh and also to towns and villages in the Lothian area. As well as residential areas, there is direct public transport available from the main Edinburgh Park & Rides; Ingliston, Hermiston and Newcraighall.
Frequent public bus services provide a direct public transport link between St Andrew's House and other main Scottish Government offices in the Edinburgh area.
BUS RECOMMENDATIONS
1. 7% of all respondents are unaware of the interest free salary advance for annual season tickets. More publicity of this scheme could encourage a higher take up.
2. Continue to utilise the City singles.
3. Market available bus services via paper based media at the main reception and over the intranet. 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 St Andrew's House.
4. Consider real time information displays at the main reception.
Rail Infrastructure and Provision
The nearest rail station to St Andrew's House is Edinburgh Waverley. It is within a 5 minute walk (400metres) of St Andrew's House.
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. Provide employees with access to rail information e.g. www.firstscotrail.com, www.nationalrailenquiries.co.uk, www.transportdirect.co.uk, www.traveline.org.uk
2. Provide information to visitors on longer distance trips to consider accessing St Andrew's House by rail.
3. Encourage employees on longer distance trips to consider travel by rail as a good alternative to the private car.
Motorcycles
Motorcycle spaces are located within the courtyard area. This is the ideal location for ensuring that these are kept secure. There has been no capacity problems reported.
Private Car
There are two main car parks available on the east and west side of the building. A further car park is available within the courtyard area, this is accessed via the east car park. There are a total of 150 car parking spaces available to 350 permit holders. The car park surface is maintained, lit and monitored by CCTV.
The car park caters for senior officers, travelling officers and ministers. There are no spaces allocated for visitors.
Free parking is located an approximate 20 minute walk from St Andrew's House. By the end of 2007 the city controlled parking zone will have extended and free parking will be an approximate 50 minute walk from St Andrew's House.
CAR TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Rationalise the parking system:
a. Consider denoting the west car park as the "sustainable travel" car park;
b. Designate a car sharing area within the west car park;
c. Designate a small number of spaces in the west car park for employees who require to bring their car at short notice;
d. Designate an area for pool cars in the west car park;
e. Designate spaces for low-emission cars in the west car park;
f. Ensure disabled parking is close to the main pedestrian entrances;
g. Designate the east car park for use by travelling officers only;
h. Continue to operate the Courtyard parking in the same manner.
2. Implement a system to ensure there is no misuse of the car sharing scheme.
3. Re-evaluate the overall parking permit system reducing the number distributed based upon a needs based assessment.
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