Good transport links are essential to sustaining economic growth. We maintain and invest in transport via our national transport agency Transport Scotland.
Actions
As a government, we:
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replaced Air Passenger Duty with Air Departure Tax
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keep air travel affordable for communities in the Highlands and Islands by maintaining the air discount scheme
Transport Scotland oversees:
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the operation and improvement of trunk road, ferry, inland waterway and railway networks in Scotland
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national concessionary travel schemes
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the provision of network traffic and travel information services
Transport Scotland is also supporting Ministers in:
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reviewing the National Transport Strategy to determine our vision for transport over the next 20 years
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prioritising investment in Scotland’s transport network
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promoting sustainable transport and active travel to reduce carbon emissions and improve public health
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improving road safety
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making transport more accessible for older people and disabled people
Background
As an agency of the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland’s work is ultimately focused on increasing sustainable economic growth in Scotland.
Transport Scotland is accountable to Parliament and the public through Scottish Ministers.
Transport Scotland’s priorities for delivery are:
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improved connections across Scotland
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increased safety and more innovation
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continuously improved performance
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better journey times
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better reliability
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greener transport alternatives
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reduced emissions
These aims provide a clear focus to support the development and delivery of efficient, effective and sustainable transport infrastructure and services for Scotland.
Bills and legislation
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 included provisions to help make Scotland’s transport network cleaner, smarter and more accessible.
Key provisions include:
- new/extended powers for local transport authorities to provide bus services to meet social needs
- powers to ban parking on pavements, at dropped kerbs at known crossing places and also double parking
- providing local authorities with powers to create, enforce, operator or revoke a low emission zone in their area and to design the shape, size and vehicle scope of their low emission zone
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 made several changes to transport laws, including:
- providing for the setting up and functions of new transport bodies, including Transport Scotland, to enable Scottish Ministers to discharge certain transport functions
- enabling further control and co-ordination of road works and the enforcement of the duties placed on those who carry them out
- setting up national concessionary fares schemes
Contact
Email: info@transport.gov.scot
Telephone: 01412727100
Post:
177 Bothwell Street
Blythswood New Town
Glasgow
G2 7ER