NEWS RELEASE:

NEW TRANSPORT ACTION GROUP LAUNCHED

Monday 10th November 1997

A new action group to campaign for sustainable transport in Scotland was launched today.

With concern mounting over traffic and environmental issues TRANSform Scotland has been set up to bring together diverse organisations interested in progressive transport policies.

The 36 founder members are drawn from environmental groups, health campaigners, transport companies and councils.

Thanks to generous sponsorship and donations - key backers include ScotRail, Stagecoach and Firstbus - it is hoped to recruit a campaigns officer early in the New Year.

David Spaven, who chairs the new organisation, said there was growing excitement over the scope for Scotland with its new Paliament to become the leading country in Europe in promoting sustainable travel.

"One test of this will be whether the new Parliament locates in a public transport-accessible site in the centre of Edinburgh," he said.

TRANSform Scotland was launched with a train and coach tour from Edinburgh to West Lothian and back to demonstrate transport innovation in city and town and the scope to do more.

"Scotland faces a growing crisis of transport and environment," said David Spaven. "Mega road-building schemes cannot provide a cost-effective or environmentally-acceptable solution to Scotland's transport problems."

"Government and local authorities must now grasp the opportunity to introduce policies and investment programmes which will switch the emphasis away from the car, the lorry and the plane to buses, trains and ships, plus much-improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists."

"We must also transform the way we plan, develop and use our cities, towns and countryside, improving access to facilities for everyone while at the same time reducing the need for intrusive and dangerous transport."

The launch venue - Livingston's Almondvale Stadium - is a shining example of sustainable transport. It is the only new stadium in Britain in a town centre, only a short walk from main bus routes.

The new group got the support of Livingston FC manager Jim Leishman, who urged fans to follow his promotion-chasing team on foot, bike, bus or train.

Councillor Tony Kinder announced at the launch that West Lothian Council was now inviting tenders for a £300,000 car ark at Bathgate station which will create 100 extra spaces for park-and-ride rail travel to Edinburgh.

The council's commitment has encouraged ScotRail to double the frequency of trains on the Bathgate line to a half-hourly service from April.

Dr. Richard Dixon, Head of Research with Friends of the Earth Scotland, welcomed the new umbrella group. "We are looking forward to working with TRANSform Scotland because it brings together environmental and health interests with some of the big players in planning and transport," he said. "TRANSform Scotland is clearly gathering the right people together to make a difference."

ENDS