“Social inclusion cannot be achieved without transport that enables everyone to participate fully in the opportunities Orkney offers.” – Councillor David Dawson, Chair of OIC’s Development and Infrastructure Committee
Orkney Islands Council is consulting islanders about a future local transport strategy. The consultation closes on 12th of January 2024.
Many people will be busy with Christmas arrangements but this consultation is important. Click on this link to access the OIC Document : Orkney Local Transport Strategy 2024 – 2044 Unlike most consultations you may be used to for this one you have to send in comments either by email or post.
OIC is responsible for the operation of inter -island air and ferry services, associated piers, harbours and inter -island airfields. The road network and associated infrastructure, subsidised public bus services and community transport funding is also the responsibility of the Council.
Councillor Dawson explained:
“This strategy sets out the policy direction that supports tackling inequality and accessibility alongside climate action, and acknowledges the significant shift we must make in several areas of transport if we are to collectively prosper.
“We’ve worked with a number of stakeholders to develop this Strategy, including Highlands and Islands Enterprise, HITRANS, NHS Orkney, Orkney Renewable Energy Forum, Destination Orkney, Voluntary Action Orkney and the Community Planning Partnership Delivery Groups – and with projects developing strategies with crossover on themes such as poverty, active travel and carbon reduction.
“Our Community Councils through the Transport Forum have helped over the years with their detailed knowledge of communities and transport challenges – and will be another vital sounding board during this consultation.
“It’s absolutely vital that we take the Orkney community with us on this journey through change, so I hope everyone will take the time between now and 12 January to dip into the Strategy in the areas that interest them, and have their say on the policy direction and ambitions within.”
Like almost every consultation ever published the 44 page document points the consultee in the direction it intends to take.
The document looks at the challenges Orkney faces : affordable travel for islanders, concessionary travel, road safety, the pressures of tourism and, although not controlled by OIC, it includes the availability of cabins on the Northlink ferries and external air services.
Corporate Director of Enterprise and Sustainable Regeneration for OIC, Gareth Waterson, said:
“The draft Strategy is intended to be a strategy for all communities and for all users: those travelling to, from and within Orkney.
“We’ve strived to ensure it is a strategy for the whole transport system, both people and freight – considering why we travel and how those trips are made, whether by walking, wheeling, cycling, and travelling by bus, ferry, car, lorry, or aeroplane.
“Orkney is a dynamic, diverse, enterprising and resilient place. Throughout our history, we have responded to challenges and opportunities with innovation and determination, and these are responses we will need to call upon again as we work towards a low emission transportation network which meets the future needs of our communities and economy.”
How to respond to the consultation
Comments and suggestions should be emailed to the Transportation Service at transport@orkney.gov.uk or posted to:
LTS Consultation
Transportation Service
Marine Services and Transportation
Harbour Authority Building
Scapa, Orkney, KW15 1SD