Glasgow, with a population of almost 600,000, is Scotland’s Largest city and is the commercial capital of Scotland. It is the UK’s largest retail centre after London. Glasgow sits in the Central Belt of Scotland on the west coast and is easily accessible by road, rail and air.
Glasgow is a major Scottish transport node with a comprehensive internal transport network including motorways. There are currently 43 kilometers of motorway and 1,708 kilometers of public roads in Glasgow. The backbone of the road system, the M8 motorway, runs from Port Glasgow to Edinburgh and passes through Glasgow. The M8 motorway links via the M73 to the M74 to Carlisle and the South, to the M80 to Stirling and the North, and via the M77 to Ayrshire and the south-west of Scotland.
The 2001 Census of Population indicated that despite 56% of households in Glasgow not having a cara large proportion of journeys into Glasgow are made by car. Many of these originate from surrounding areas with higher car ownership levels. This document also revealed:
• 34% of all journeys to work by Glasgow residents were by public transport
(29% by rail/subway and 71% by bus)
• 49% were by car
• 14% by cycling and walking.
In the wider conurbation almost three quarters of all journeys are by car with only some 15% by public transport. There are over 40 bus companies operate within Glasgow with the combined ‘First’ bus operation accounting for 70% of services.
Walking and cycling are efficient, cost-effective, sustainable and healthy means of travel.
Within Glasgow, walking is a key mode of transport, with 16% of all trips and 51% of trips to school (2005). The challenge is to maintain and improveon these figures, particularly as 17% of trips in Glasgow are less than 1 kilometer and 35% less than 2 kilometers (2004),distances which are suitable for walking and cycling.
Glasgow is commited to increasing the level of cycling in the City. More than 165 kilometers of cycle network have been completed in the City, including 32 kilometers of the National Cycle Network.
Glasgow City Council is commited to reducing road traffic accidents and promoting safety for all road users. It has been proactive in it’s efforts and the current Road Safety Unit has been actively involved in providing a comprehensive programme of Education, Engineering and Enforcement. While it is business as usual we are undergoing a major restructuring programme to offer all road safety issues at a more local level, allowing us to target more specific requirements within local areas.
While these changes are underway and should be in place for early 2009 the Unit will run as it is in conjunction with the Council’s Accident Investigation and Prevention Team to ensure a smooth transition.
Contacts
George Cairns
Road Safety Development Officer
Glasgow City Council
Richmond Exchange
20 Cadogan Street, Glasgow
G2 7AD
T: 0141 287 9043
E: george.cairns@glasgow.gov.uk