Grangemouth Transport

Following the announcement of the Draft National Planning Framework, Cathy said:

"This is a big boost for the Grangemouth Transport Forum. It is good that the arguments we have put forward have been taken on board in the National Planning Framework."

Many of the objectives identified by the Forum, including better connections to M8 (including the Avon Gorge upgrade) and M9 (including improved junctions and local road improvements), separating community and dock traffic, reducing local road congestion, and improving rail infrastructure, have been incorporated in the new National Planning Framework for Scotland. The issues have been highlighted through various channels by Grangemouth Transport Forum members, including a press release from Cathy in November (see below and http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/tayside_and_central/7082688.stm)

"This moves us forward towards a more detailed consideration of exactly how the improvements to road and rail can be delivered, to the benefit of the Scottish Economy, the local economy, and in the social and environmental interests of local people.

"There are also some issues not covered by the national framework, but which should be part of a properly joined up transport policy. These issues are certainly important to local businesses and local people, and will have wider benefits. Foremost among these is ensuring that improvements to the infrastructure are accompanied by improvements to public transport. We need better bus services; and improved rail infrastructure could also bring a local station for rail users."

(January 2007)

Speaking after the first large freight train was flagged off for Aberdeenshire from W H Malcolm's in her Falkirk East constituency, Cathy Peattie MSP has called for transport infrastructure around Grangemouth to be considered as an essential part of the national strategy.

"Grangemouth is as an intermodal hub of major significance to the Scottish economy," she said.

"Clearly, getting freight on to rail and ship has environmental and economic benefits not only to Grangemouth and surrounding areas, but to the whole of Scotland. As such it is welcome, but equally clearly, getting freight on to rail and ship increases road traffic to and within Grangemouth. Congestion is not good for the people of Grangemouth nor is it compatible with efficient transportation

"This needs to be tackled. We need to look at access via the trunk road network and the impact of freight traffic on local routes. The benefits of developing Grangemouth's transport infrastructure will accrue locally and nationally, so action needs to be supported and addressed locally and nationally.

"Recognising this, I have been working with the community council, council representatives, local industries, retail distribution, road hauliers and others. We have set up a Grangemouth Transport Forum, and established a working group to discuss, develop and lobby for improvements to meet the expanding role of Grangemouth.

"The scope of the Forum covers not only freight transport by road and rail, looking at possible developments such a railhead extension to reduce double handling, but also issues such as public transport and the possibility of developing local rail passenger services."

(November 2007)

A meeting to discuss the future transport infrastructure of Grangemouth was held in Grangemouth Town Hall on Friday afternoon, 20th July. The meeting was organised by MSP Cathy Peattie in conjunction with Grangemouth Community Council. Cathy and Community Council members were joined by local councillors and officers, local industry representatives, police, SESTRAN, and Michael Connarty MP.

Following introductions by Community Council Chairperson Tom Wilson and Cathy Peattie, the meeting listened to a presentation by Community Council member Walter Inglis on the problems facing Grangemouth, and possible solutions.

The issues included the expanding role of Grangemouth as an inter-modal freight hub, the increasing demands on existing roads from industry and developers, peak travel congestion, poor public transport, pollution and health issues. A number of alternatives for rerouting traffic were discussed, including improving motorway junctions, upgrading existing routes and creating new routes.

It was agreed that these problems needed to be addressed collectively by local and national authorities in cooperation with the community and local businesses, and that there was a need for a “business plan” proposal, backed by the local community, industry and elected representatives, that could be taken to the Scottish Executive for support. It was agreed that there would be further meetings to take this forward, with a subgroup developing proposals that would be brought back to the “Grangemouth Transport Forum”.
Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie said that she was very pleased with the progress that had been made, and thanked Walter Inglis for his contribution.

“Several major firms were present, including Forth Ports, Ineos, BP and ASDA, and I am confident that others who were contacted but unable to be there, will come on board in the future, including public transport providers. It is in everyone's interests to develop a sustainable environment for our community and local industry, and a sustainable transport policy is an essential part of that.

(July 2007)

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