Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:30 pm on 23 May 2024.
Evelyn Tweed
Scottish National Party
2:30,
23 May 2024
I apologise for my very croaky voice.
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what steps it is taking to improve road safety across Stirling. (S6O-03474)
Fiona Hyslop
Scottish National Party
I feel for the member.
The Scottish Government is committed to making Scotland’s roads safe for all. That is supported through our provision of a record £36 million for road safety in order to reduce casualties and risks on our roads, which is delivering on our priorities in the road safety framework. That funding includes the road safety framework fund, which Stirling Council can access to improve road safety on its respective roads. My officials engage with Stirling Council through the local partnership forum meetings, as well as through other road safety forums.
However, it is for Stirling Council to determine the priority that should be given to road safety measures. Local authorities have a statutory duty to promote road safety and to take steps to reduce and prevent collisions in order to safeguard road users.
Evelyn Tweed
Scottish National Party
There have been several fatalities on roads in my Stirling Constituency in recent months, and dangerous driving might have been a factor in some of those incidents. What steps is the Government taking to reduce dangerous driving?
Fiona Hyslop
Scottish National Party
First, I express my sympathies to all those affected by tragic incidents and to the families and friends of those involved.
Road safety remains an absolute priority. We are determined to continue making investments to support our road safety framework to 2030 in order to achieve safer road travel in Scotland now and in the future. That investment is key to tackling behaviour and making improvements.
Investigations will take place into a number of tragic incidents that have happened across Scotland recently, and I do not want to reflect on those, but we continue to invest in our road safety framework fund and in the safety camera programme to encourage improved driver behaviour, which will, ultimately, enhance safety across Scotland, including in the Stirling area.
Mr Mark Ruskell
Green
There have been far too many crashes and near misses across the Stirling area, including between Bridge of Allan and the Keir roundabout, where cyclists, in particular, need better protection through a segregated cycle route. Can the Cabinet secretary confirm that there will be no roll-back of Scottish Government funding for active travel infrastructure? Will she reassure me, and the residents of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, that funding will be made available this year to progress that critical cycle route and protect lives?
Fiona Hyslop
Scottish National Party
I appreciate the member’s point. As he knows, there has been substantial capital investment in active travel. It is important that that investment is used in a smart way. The collective planning in some areas regarding bus and cycle-lane improvements is definitely the way forward.
I am not familiar with the particular area around Dunblane, so I will look into the route that the member has referred to. I am also acutely aware of concerns about accidents, which have been raised following some particular incidents in the Dunblane area.
Annabelle Ewing
Scottish National Party
I can squeeze in question 8 if we have succinct questions and answers.
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