Park and ride 'smarter choice'

An increasing number of people are moving into the south east of Scotland to work, meaning an ever-growing number of cars are filling the roads, particularly on main routes in and out of Edinburgh.

Russell Imrie, south east of Scotland Transport Partnership (Sestran) chairman, outlines why he believes we should all try using park and ride schemes.

Russell Imrie is chairman of Sestran

Sestran, along with our partner authorities, is working to meet this challenge.

Over the next 15 years, through implementation of our regional transport strategy, we aim to build a comprehensive, sustainable transport system based upon improved public transport, a reduction in the use of cars, greater use of cycling, walking and other alternative forms of transport, and encouraging people to make 'smart' choices about transportation.

Park and ride is one such alternative. From Ferrytoll in Fife, to Wallyford in East Lothian, from Larbert Station in Falkirk to Bathgate in West Lothian, and Sheriffhall in Midlothian, a growing network of 16 park and ride sites provides commuters with a practical, low-cost alternative to driving into the city.

At present, we are carrying out a feasibility study on the possibility of such a site for users of the Tay Bridge commuting into Dundee Russell Imrie Sestran chairman

So far, the network provides over 6,000 parking spaces, mainly serving Edinburgh.

That's 6,000 cars a day off the region's roads. Capacity will increase as new sites are completed.

When the currently scheduled network of 21 sites are operational, over 9,000 commuters across south east Scotland will have the option of a high-quality, sustainable journey to work.

In the longer term, Sestran aims to develop park and ride as an option for commuters travelling to other urban areas, across the region and further afield.

At present, we are carrying out a feasibility study on the possibility of such a site for users of the Tay Bridge commuting into Dundee.

Sheriffhall Park and Ride was officially opened in April

The success of park and ride proves that, when given a high quality option, commuters are more than willing to use public transport.

That is why Sestran has just spent over �1.9m towards doubling the capacity of the park and ride site at Ingliston, to meet increased demand, while the newly opened sites at Wallyford and Sheriffhall are already being well-used.

Another link in the network will be added in October 2008, when the 600-space site at Straiton opens, with a Sestran investment of over �2m.

Combined with initiatives such as car sharing and increased use of cycling and walking, park and ride is making a practical contribution towards tackling the region's congestion problems.

Potential future developments, such as a bus rapid transit system, linking up park and ride sites around Edinburgh and offering quick, convenient, access to economically important locations outside the capital, will further enhance the effectiveness of the network.

Park and ride is delivering results today, and will continue to play an increasingly important role in the development of a fully integrated transportation system in the future.

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