Resources

Data

Transport Scotland publishes a range of statistical publications about travel and transport in Scotland, covering transport trends, road casualties and statistics consultations.

Regional Transport Partnerships (RTP) also collect and hold data which may be useful to draw upon when developing a LTS.

The Climate Intelligence Service is jointly funded by Scottish Government and local government to help councils build capacity and capability for the development of area-wide programmes of emissions reduction, to deliver their own area-wide net zero targets and to contribute to Scotland’s national commitment to net zero by 2045. The Climate Intelligence Service is a collaborative, action focused, and data driven programme which will have a wide-reaching impact on local authority climate strategies and actions across Scotland.

In relation to active travel, Paths for All National Opinion Survey on Walking & Wheeling report, Sustrans The Walking and Cycling Index and the Active Travel Open Data Portal could also be useful resources when developing a LTS.

Funding

External funding opportunities from national, regional and local bodies are available to facilitate improvements to transport networks without being wholly reliant on Council funding. There is no centralised resource of available funding streams at the time of publication, therefore local authorities should consult the Transport Scotland website, external organisations or enterprise bodies for further information on funding for transport schemes.

Scottish Enterprise is a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government which encourages economic development, enterprise, innovation and investment in business. The body covers the eastern and central parts of Scotland whilst similar bodies, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise, operate in north-western and southern Scotland, respectively.

LTS Checklist

  1. Have you determined the location specific problems and opportunities focusing on people and communities within your area?
    1. Demonstrated through clear evidence.
    2. Supporting analysis should explore how and why problems and opportunities are being experienced.
  2. Have you carried out analysis of current/future transport problems and opportunities?
  3. Have you determined what you want your LTS to achieve through a set of Outcomes and supporting objectives?
    1. Option generation and sifting is crucial of any appraisal. A LTS needs to determine the best means to achieve the Outcomes.
  4. Have you developed a set of indicators to monitor performance, where appropriate, and potentially indicator-specific outcomes which will be used to measure whether the Strategy is being successfully delivered?
  5. Have you created a delivery plan?
    1. This should provide an outline of what needs to be done, by whom and when and to include indicative costs.
  6. Have you completed or referred to previously completed impact assessments and shown how the LTS responds to the findings of this?
  7. Have you carried out sufficient engagement?
    1. Engagement can be carried out during any stage of the development of a LTS.
    2. At the beginning of the process, this may be useful to help identify the transport problems and outcomes. Robust engagement is essential to ensuring local and political support for the outcomes in the strategy.
    3. Ensure to engage with your RTP.
    4. Engage with Transport Scotland if necessary for further guidance.