Funding issues the key to Scotland’s active travel plans

Investing in and encouraging active travel is a key part of the Scottish Government’s plan to decarbonise transport, but while last year 203 miles of walking, wheeling, and cycling routes were added, funding has been a massive issue. The Scottish Government’s draft budget for 2025/26 allocated £188.7m for active travel, bus infrastructure, sustainable travel […]
Road safety charity against ‘blanket speed limit reduction’

IAM RoadSmart Road Safety Manager Scotland Stewart Mackie has issued a response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the National Speed Management Review. Mackie said: “As a road safety charity, we support measures that will reduce casualties on the network. However, we believe a blanket national speed limit reduction will be counterproductive and may even […]
Southern Scotland set for 50mph speed limit pilot

A 50mph speed limit pilot is to be introduced across four roads in southern Scotland. The routes for the 50mph (80km/h) trial are the A7 north of Galashiels, the B6357 from Carter Bar, the A708 Moffat to Selkirk and the A6088 from Kielder to Bonchester Bridge. The aim is to reduce the amount of motorbike […]
Scotland: Plans submitted for segregated active travel route between Aviemore and Carrbridge

A planning application has been lodged today for a proposed 9km active travel route for walking, wheeling and cycling, which will provide a safer, more direct link between Aviemore and Carrbridge, linking up with existing routes in the area. Following feedback from the public, the plans include a signalised crossing of the A95 at Granish. […]
Swinney: Councils have enough money to fix potholes

First Minister John Swinney has insisted Scottish councils are “adequately” funded to fix potholes. His comments came after the UK government announced an extra £500m for road maintenance in England. Swinney said his administration was providing an additional £1bn in funding for councils in the 2025-26 budget. Drivers from Glasgow to Cape Wrath in the Highlands have protested about potholes last […]
Highland Council voices opposition to National Speed Limit Review

Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have agreed the council’s response to the National Speed Limit Review Transport Scotland is currently running on behalf of the Scottish Government. The review seeks views on proposed changes to speed limits in Scotland. In their response they make it clear that they do not support […]
Nairn and Cawdor roads capital programme approved for 2025/26

A proposed list of prioritised roadworks has been agreed by Nairnshire Committee Members, which will be funded out of The Highland Council’s Capital Budget allocation for 2025/26. Councillors have agreed funding allocations for specified locations for roads resurfacing works including footpath reconstruction/resurfacing works which can be funded from the capital allocation. The estimated local allocation […]
Work begins on Motherwell’s active travel links

North Lanarkshire Council has commenced construction of active travel links across Motherwell town centre, beginning today, Monday 13 January, with improvements to the pedestrian and cycling route between Asda and the Civic Centre. This will involve widening and resurfacing paths, a new junction arrangement at Watsonville Park and Oakfield Road to create more space for pedestrians […]
Scottish Transport Secretary’s A9 dualling inquiry response “casts doubt on commitment and funding”

More than two months after a major inquiry reported its findings and 13 months on from issuing a new timetable for the dualling, Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has sought to offer assurance about transparency and certainty regarding the programme to transform the A9 into a dual carriageway. But having raised those issues, she was […]
Electric buses withdrawn in Glasgow over safety fears

Bus operator First Bus has withdrawn 30 buses in Glasgow after “technical failures”. The BBC reports that the issue was raised in December with affected vehicles now temporarily replaced by ultra-low emission diesel buses from across the UK. The report says the buses were part of an order of 50 in 2023, with batteries designed […]