3 March 2005

Airport rail link gains 82% support

Strathclyde Passenger Transport's massive four month public consultation into proposals to build a rail link to Glasgow Airport has received 82% support from those who completed consultation questionnaires since November last year.

Nearly 3,000 individuals and organisations were involved in the process both locally and nationally.

The consultation questionnaire also revealed that 81% preferred using a viaduct to cross St James Park than an embankment.

Cllr Alistair Watson, Chair of Strathclyde Passenger Transport, said, "From the outset we have been keen for everyone to have their say. We have held public meetings and exhibitions, which were advertised on the radio and in the local and national press. We have distributed some 35,000 leaflets and held face-to-face meetings with the residents and businesses that are likely to be affected by the airport link.

"The consultation has allowed SPT to have a close dialogue with a huge range of individuals, special interest and community groups, businesses and industry partners. As well as the questionnaire responses we have received a wide range of views on the proposals and all the responses will be included in a detailed report on the consultations.

"Our discussions have highlighted many important issues which we will now seek to address in our preparation of a Bill to be introduced to the Scottish Parliament in late spring.

"The rail link will have an impact on Central Station in Glasgow, the existing rail line to Paisley, the Murray Industrial area, St James Playing Fields, the M8 and the airport. At each area we are drawing up detailed plans and speaking to those who will be directly affected.

"We are working closely with Renfrewshire Council and other stakeholders to identify an appropriate way of mitigating against the effects of the rail link crossing the playing fields. Over the next few months we will come forward with detailed proposals that will ensure the continued provision of these important football facilities."

SPT will continue to speak to interested parties throughout the Bill process. A detailed report into the consultation results will form part of the information that is submitted to Parliament.

The initial high-level results of the consultation were as follows:

What do you think about the Glasgow Airport Rail Link?

• Strong support 69%
• Support 13%
• Not Sure 2%
• Against 3%
• Strongly Against 13%

Which option do you prefer for crossing St James Park?

• Embankment 19%
• Viaduct 81%

There was a total of 1638 formal responses. An additional 284 people attended public meetings and focus groups and 917 people visited the exhibitions stands at various locations in Glasgow and Renfrewshire.

The public consultation into SPT's plan to build an airport linking Glasgow Airport and Glasgow Central station began on Monday 1 November.

The consultation has seen more than 20,000 information leaflets distributed to homes and businesses along the route of the proposed link. A further 15,000 leaflets were distributed on local train services. A series of public exhibitions and meetings have been held and a website has also been established.

SPT will submit a bill to the Scottish Parliament in late spring. Objectors will then have 60 days to register their concerns. If the bill is given the green light by MSPs, it is estimated that the link could be operational by the end of 2008.

Passenger numbers at Glasgow Airport are predicted to virtually double, from 8.2 million passengers a year in 2003, to over 15 million passengers a year in 2030. At the moment, 95% of these passengers travel to the airport by road.

The rail link will help to contribute to the continued growth of Glasgow Airport, which is a major employer and is one of the biggest wealth generators in the west of Scotland.

Consultants have been investigating the feasibility of building a direct rail link to Glasgow Airport for some 15 years and a preferred route has been identified, which mainly follows existing rail lines.

The proposal is to upgrade 9 km (5.4 miles) of existing track between Shields Junction and Paisley Gilmour Street Station and to lay 2 km (1.2 miles) of new track between Paisley St James Station and Glasgow Airport. The new track will cross St James Park and the M8.

ends