Safer roads, better air quality and clamping down on troublesome parking outside schools are all included in a new transport vision agreed by Aberdeen City Council yesterday.
The Local Transport Strategy, which runs from 2016-2021, was agreed by members of the council’s communities, housing and infrastructure committee.
Convener Neil Cooney said the strategy’s key aim was to provide “a sustainable transport system suitable for the 21st century”.
By 2021, it is hoped the council will have been able to increase the number of people using public transport, reduce the dependence on private cars, improve journey times and road safety, and to ensure better air quality and access to transport.
The plan states: “A significant proportion of households across Aberdeen do not have access to a car and better access for all to buses will address social exclusion, issues and ensure better accessibility to priority areas, such as health services.
“It is therefore important that bus services are available as an attractive and competitive option in terms of accessibility, journey time and cost.”
Councillor Ross Thomson called for reassurance from officers that the breadth of routes would also be taken into consideration along with current routes going forward.
Mr Cooney raised concerns about the cut back of evening services, noting for example the problems in Airyhall.
A lack of evening services had an impact on people’s lives he said, for example its impact on older people getting to evening events.
“I wonder if it could be worth looking at community transport initiatives?” said Mr Cooney.
On school parking, the strategy states there is a role for “no-car zones” outside schools, as well as footway widening, safe crossings to improve safety around schools and encourage walking.
Councillor John Corall said the aims were “admirable” and things needed to change, but questioned how realistic the goals were in the five-year plan.
A costed delivery plan is expected in March giving more detail as to how the strategy would be funded and how the strategy fits in with the City Region Deal.