Transport infrastructure is a key lifeline for enabling effective business dealings. Research showed that inadequate transport infrastructure is regarded as a key obstacle to the growth of the economy. Our established group involves a cross section of interests from across our membership and welcomes new participants.
The aim of the Group is to ensure a strategic business vision is maintained at a local, regional and national level. The group also addresses matters as they arise, including trams, parking and freight.
To participate in the group contact, Chair, Ross Laird, ross.laird@sc.grayling.com or Deputy Chairman, Jim Hunter, jim.hunter@standardlife.com.
Key issues:
The development of a high quality public transport system for Scotland and Edinburgh in particular, supporting measures to facilitate the movement of goods and services and reducing congestion remain our priorities. In order to achieve that, the Chamber is looking at:
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How capacity can be enhanced on Scotland's railways through the development of Haymarket and Waverley Stations
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How a modern, efficient tram system can bring real benefits to Edinburgh's economy. Supporting the business community during the construction process, including managing the 'Open for Business' programme.
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How Edinburgh's airport can enhance Scotland's connectivity, boosting business, leisure and tourism
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Ensuring that Edinburgh remains a safe, accessible city, which cares about its precious natural and built environment
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Reducing congestion and other inhibitors to the free movement of goods through specifically targeted infrastructure improvements around the city
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Developing water based transport solutions
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Ensuring adequate road networks to service the economy.
Recent achievements:
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Fighting for a new Forth Crossing
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Compensation for businesses through rate revaluation and a City 'top up' scheme to enable businesses to weather the difficulties of the tram construction period
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The development of a parking strategy for the city which recognises the need for greater flexibility, clearer signage and improvements to both on and off street car parking
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The reform of the new traffic management scheme for the city centre (CETM)
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Representation on the Regional Transport Partnership
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Conveying business views to the city's politicians through debates and hustings
Current issues include ensuring:
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campaigning for increased rail capacity including High Speed Rail connectivity to Continental Europe
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that the Waverley Station redevelopment is completed
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campaigning for Edinburgh Park station to be a stop on the faster Edinburgh-Glasgow rail services
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Edinburgh Airport continues to thrive, and its needs (and those of the Royal Highland Showground and new potential developments in West Edinburgh are properly incorporated in the West Edinburgh plan
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Connections to major cities and commuter routes around Edinburgh are improved
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ensuring the voice of business is heard in Regional Transport Plans
Future campaigns under consideration
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negotiating real member benefits with transport suppliers in addition to policy remit
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building an alliance of transport operators across modes
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match economic groups with specific needs - i.e. what do retailers need for transport, what does the financial sector need etc - this could be done through a series of surveys of industry sectors
USEFUL LINKS:
The Regional Transport Strategy
About the Regional Transport Partnership
MINUTES OF MEETING:
18 September 2007
