Chamber and committees

Road safety is of paramount importance in the operation of the trunk road network. Safer road design, improved speed management, continued maintenance and a better provision for vulnerable road users are amongst the steps being taken to reduce the numbers of casualties. The safety performance of the trunk road network is assessed on an annual basis.

Following the annual assessment in 2016 Dalgarven was identified as an area for further investigation. Transport Scotland attended a meeting with Ruth Maguire MSP and a number of representatives of the community on 3 March 2017 where a commitment was given to examine any potential measures to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents through the area.

This investigation has been progressed and possible measures to be discussed with the local community and elected members include:

• Vehicle Activated Signs – junction warning signs

• Improved visibility at junctions from clearing existing foliage

• Relocate the existing bus stop into a layby

• New footway provision adjacent to the carriageway

• Rationalisation of the existing signage

• Introduction of a gateway type feature to highlight Dalgarven

Conclusion of the investigation will confirm the recommended measures. This will also allow costs to be estimated and the works to be programmed.

Information provided by the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) suggests there are around 60 staff and around 230 officers based in Scotland who would transfer to Police Scotland, with the details currently being refined as part of the work of the Joint Programme Board. We have no information on staff leaving as a result of the merger.

Transport Scotland has not undertaken any assessment of the cost of improving the junctions on the A90 between Dundee and Stonehaven, other than at Laurencekirk, where design work is being taken forward to deliver a grade separated junction on the A90. It is therefore not possible to provide a cost estimate at this time.

Average speed cameras on the A90 are expected to improve road safety.

The cameras are already encouraging improved driver behaviour and better speed limit compliance, which will lead to fewer camera detections, fewer penalty points, fewer drivers fined, and ultimately reduce the number of people being killed or injured on Scotland’s roads.

In ChargePlace Scotland (CPS) we already have one of the most comprehensive EV networks in Europe with over 700 charge points, including over 175 rapid chargers. The ChargePlace Scotland website (www.chargeplacescotland.org) provides location and availability details of all these charge points. We do not hold a central record of non-CPS charge points.

We allocate funding to a range of initiatives to encourage electric car and van usage. Funding is provided to all 32 local authorities, distributed according to formulae approved by COSLA. Also all consumer and commercial incentives are available nationwide.

A more detailed update is available in ‘Switched On Scotland Phase Two: An Action Plan For Growth’ which is available at https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/switched-on-scotland-phase-two-an-action-plan-for-growth/

Phasing out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032 is a vision for all of Scotland rural, island, urban for individuals and businesses to reap the benefits of this cleaner greener future.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-10921 on
12 September 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx'

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-12461 on
15 November 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The Gourock to Dunoon ferry service provides a vital transport link for foot passengers between Dunoon town centre harbour and the rail head at Gourock harbour. The public service obligation is set by the Scottish Ministers and the need for the service is defined by the impact it has on the wider economic and social sustainability of the community served. In its 2009 Decision on Scottish Ferry Services, the European Commission concluded that there is a sound economic and social justification for public support of a passenger service on this route.

Due to significant weather disruption during winter 2011-12 and particularly, winter 2012-13, the Scottish Ministers took the decision to deploy the MV Coruisk on the Gourock to Dunoon route in passenger mode only to improve the resilience of the service.

Argyll Ferries Ltd charter the MV Coruisk from the CalMac fleet at a time when she would otherwise be surplus to requirements. This reduces the net cost to Transport Scotland and provides more effective value for money.

Scotland have reported on the MV Coruisk’s deployment every winter period. Statistical information on her service and resilience operations on the route can be found on Transport Scotland’s website at the following link.