NEWS RELEASE - November 29th 1999

 

'Home Zones for Scotland' conference: Transport Minister Sarah Boyack challenged to ensure Scotland isn't left behind England in reclaiming residential streets from traffic

TRANSform Scotland (1) today challenged Transport Minister Sarah Boyack to ensure Scotland is not left behind England and Wales in bringing about safer streets in residential areas. The call comes at the 'Homes Zones for Scotland' conference (2), jointly organised by Stirling Council, TRANSform Scotland, Save the Children, Sustrans Scotland and Lothian Safe Routes, to be held today in Stirling, at which the Minister is speaking.

'Home Zones' are people-friendly residential streets based on the four following principles:

  • changes in priority: pedestrians given priority
  • very low speed limits: speeds of 10mph or less
  • emphasis on the change in status - through signing, traffic calming & street furniture
  • the support of local residents

    Colin Howden, Campaign Manager of TRANSform Scotland, said:
    "Home Zones have been around in the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia for 25 years or more, where they have played a key role in improving the quality of life for people in residential areas."

    "With a straightforward change in the law, many residential streets could be transformed from car corridors to valued outdoor spaces: spaces where people can walk, cycle or simply sit and talk, and where it is safe for children to play and get around on their own. This new style of street - the Home Zone - could reclaim residential streets for the people who live in them."

    But Scotland is behind even England in moving towards Home Zones. This August saw the go-ahead for nine Home Zones pilot projects in England and Wales. But no Scottish local authorities are taking part because the Scottish Office, prior to the May elections, failed to invite Scottish local authorities to participate in the trials.

    Colin Howden of TRANSform Scotland concluded:
    "The Scottish Office's failure to bring about Home Zones trials in Scotland was typical of its foot-dragging on innovative local transport solutions. The current situation would leave Scotland years behind in bringing about our own Home Zones. Transport Minister Sarah Boyack can correct this anomaly by bringing forward Home Zones trials for Scotland."

    ENDS

    Notes to Editors:

    (1) TRANSform Scotland is the national sustainable transport campaign, bringing together 60 organisations - including transport operators, local authorities, environment and conservation groups, chambers of commerce and local transport groups - interested in transport, the environment and a sustainable Scotland. We can be contacted at 72 Newhaven Road, Edinburgh, EH6 5QG. Tel.: 0131 467 7714; Fax: 0131 554 8656; E-mail: campaigns@transformscotland.org.uk; web: http://www.transformscotland.org.uk

    (2) The 'Home Zones' conference is jointly organised by the five organisations:

  • Stirling Council
  • TRANSform Scotland
  • Save the Children
  • Lothian Safe Routes
  • Sustrans Scotland

    The conference is being held at Stirling Royal Infirmary, Stirling, 9.30am to 4pm. The Transport Minister is speaking from 10.15am to 10.30am.

    Speakers include the initial promoters of the campaign in the UK - the Childrens' Play Council and Transport 2000 - and experts on community, childrens', design and legal issues.

    The conference has attracted over 150 delegates - it was sold out weeks ago - with almost all of the Scottish local authorities represented.

    END OF PRESS RELEASE

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