Glasgow fears over future of cycle path plans as Scottish Government cuts funding
There are fears new cycle path plans in Glasgow could be left up in the air after the Scottish Government announced a cut to its active and sustainable travel budget.
Scottish Greens councillor Dan Hutchison voiced concerns that plans for cycle routes in Paisley Road West and Ibrox Cessnock Village are changing in scope due to funding worries.
A senior councillor has admitted there is "uncertainty" relating to a current bid for active travel projects in the city.
The Scottish Government announced earlier this month that active and sustainable travel funding will be cut by £23.7million this financial year.
Glasgow City Council hopes to build 270 km of cycle routes - dubbed the City Network by 2031, which has been relying on Holyrood funding.
Glasgow Scottish Greens councillor Dan Hutchison asked what impact the national cuts will have on the council’s plans for the city network.
Speaking at a full council meeting, he said: "I've heard that Paisely Road West and Ibrox Cessnock Village have already been rescoped because of Transport Scotland's inability to confirm funding. "
He asked SNP councillor Angus Millar what he is doing to press the government about getting projects on track.
Councillor Millar said: I've made the case to the Scottish Government on a number of occasions and will continue to do so for investment in active travel in our city."
He said he would check the status of specific projects and bring the information back.
Responding to councillor Hutchison's wider concerns, he said: "While it is understood these are revenue based budget and not capital budget costs the council has still not received the outcome of its active travel infrastructure fund Tier 2 bid for 2024 to 2025.
"As such there remains a significant degree of uncertainty over the current programme and the future pipeline and officers are continuing to to engage with Transport Scotland to seek certainty on the release of any funding for Tier 2."
Councillor Millar added: "To be clear the council is continuing to progress a number of active travel infrastructure projects with various projects currently on site and several more essentially shovel ready."
He said the council "remain absolutely committed to projects which have been progressed to the final design phase.
"We also remain committed to delivering the ambitious plans for the city network of safe segregated cycle infrastructure across the city which is vital ot a enable a modal shift and make active travel a more realistic option for everyday journeys."
The convener for climate, Glasgow Green Deal, transport & city centre recovery said time scales will be be funding dependent for the city network and officers will prioritise key projects.
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