MSPs call for views on the Transport Bill

The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee is calling for views on the future of bus services, parking and the introduction of Low Emission Zones.

As part of its scrutiny of the Transport Bill, MSPs will take evidence on plans to give local authorities more power over bus services, including options such as ‘partnership working’ with operators, local franchising or running their own buses.

They will also examine how to enforce low emission zones in cities across Scotland, alongside plans to introduce smart ticketing and create a national technological standard across public transport.

Committee convener Edward Mountain said: “Issues such as low emission zones for vehicles, pavement and double parking, and smart ticketing, have the potential to impact on how people travel around Scotland, and we want to find out whether these proposals are the right ones for local communities.

“We know that transport and connectivity are of utmost importance to people across Scotland, and the Committee wants to hear the views of the public and stakeholder organisations to help shape how the Committee and the Parliament responds to the Scottish Government's proposals.

“The Committee has today issued a survey to ask people a number of questions, ranging from how your local authority could use the new powers proposed in the Bill to improve local bus services, and whether they support proposals on smart ticketing and prohibitions on pavement and double parking.”

MSPs will also take evidence on how to encourage responsible parking, by prohibiting double parking and pavement parking to improve safety for roads users and pedestrians.

The Bill also contains plans to strengthen the role of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner (SRWC) and improve the regulation of road works.

They are also taking evidence on proposals to introduce Regional Transport Partnerships, allowing Scottish Ministers to vary the membership and structure of the Scottish Canals Board.