2006 ARCHIVE

 

Where Have We Got To?

Cost of the Route

The Minister and AWPR supporters in the two Councils are being ‘economical with the truth’ whenever they talk about the costs of the AWPR.  For obvious reasons!  Now that the costs are getting close to half a billion pounds the Lib Dem politicians behind this proposal are trying to pretend that expenditure will be lower than it will be. Road Sense has its own group of experienced engineers and project managers who are investigating the figures.  We are also looking at their claims of benefits for the route.  Here, their exaggerations are quite stupendous.  How can they keep a straight face when they make their statements?

The legal position

Initially we had hoped to challenge Tavish Scott’s decision on the new route through the courts.  We took legal advice on this.  It turns out that he has not yet taken a decision!  He has simply made an announcement!  We cannot hold him to account for drawing his own line on the map until he makes his final choice.

Environmental surveys

Surveys are now under way by consultants employed by the Scottish Executive.  We must ensure that they do not ignore or neglect important environmental features, which should be protected.  If you know of any areas close to you which should be examined more closely by conservation specialists then please let us know and we will arrange it.

Getting at the truth

Several members of Road Sense have been pushing Tavish Scott and his staff to gain more information on the facts used to support his decision.  Guess what! There weren’t any!  Tavish seems to have simply took it on himself to reject the routes which went out to consultation and choose a new one.  We are now seeking written evidence that the decision was simply his preference.  After pressing the Scottish Executive itself, and receiving no facts at all we have now gone to the independent Information Commissioner and are asking to see all the documents and minutes which surrounded the decision. In particular, we are trying to find out why there was no formal agenda and no minutes taken at a meeting held on 14 November 2005 at which the decision was made to opt for this preferred route.

Petition to the Parliament

Our new Parliament is prepared to listen and take evidence from groups which have prepared a formal petition and placed it on the Parliament’s web site.  Road Sense is combining with Friends of the Earth to put a petition in. Go to our Home Page to sign the petition.

Local businesses

Posters, T shirts, banners

The Netherley group has taken the lead in getting posters and other materials prepared.  Contact the Netherley Community representative if you wish to get hold of some of these.

Conference/Seminar

Road Sense intends to organise a conference later this year to look at sustainable solutions to Aberdeen’s traffic and transport problems.  Watch this space.

Publicity

The Executive and the Councils are spending huge sums of money on consultants and Public Relations people to place stories in the press which support the route.  You might like to ask the Council leaders exactly how much is being spent, and how they can justify putting out misleading and exaggerated statements.  Is it right that public funds should be used to misinform the public?

 

Road Sense Public Meeting 9th May

Over 700 people attended the Road Sense public meeting on 9th May at the International School Aberdeen, which is due to be demolished under Tavish Scott's latest 'preferred route' for the AWPR. Various VIPs were invited to the meeting including: Transport Minister Tavish Scott, the AWPR Project Director Ainsley McLaughlin, the WPR Team in Aberdeen, all local MSPs (including Nicol Stephen), and 75 local Councillors. All declined our invitation, with the exception of Mike Rumbles MSP, Councillor Sandy Wallace and Councillor Mathew Duncan. Road Sense Committee members presented various aspects of the Road Sense campaign. Friends of the Earth contributed a presentation, and a Milltimber resident whose house is to be demolished gave a personal perspective on the proposed bypass route. Details of the Road Sense presentations are available below.

William Walton Introduction

Henry Irvine-Fortescue Environmental update

Tony Hawkins Information gathering by Road Sense

Keith Dallard Engineering and cost of the AWPR

Robin Winmill Legal issues

Paddy Imhof  Petition the Scottish Parliament

William Walton Concluding remarks

Road Sense 20th February Public Meeting

Upwards of 1000 people attended the Road Sense public meeting on 20th February at the International School Aberdeen. The meeting was attended by Nicol Stephen MSP, Mike Rumbles MSP, Shona Baird MSP, David Davidson MSP, Ainslie McLoughlin from the Scottish Executive AWPR Team, Councillor Sandy Wallace and Councillor Mathew Duncan. The individual Road Sense Community representatives presented various aspects of the Road Sense campaign. For further information, click on the links below.

Background to the AWPR - William Walton

Unsuitability of the route - Ken Craig, Netherley

Environmental impact - Neil McAllan, Charleston

Road Sense - Henry Irvine-Fortescue, Maryculter

Strategy - Dave Robb, Milltimber

The timetable - Roger Murray, Silverburn

What can you do? - Robin Winmill, Maryculter

Road Sense Committee Meetings

27th February 2006

6 April 2006

1 May 2006

19 May 2006