Long distance commuting in Scotland

Abstract

The 2001 UK census travel to work data indicated that about 23% of Scottish workers are long distance commuters. 80% travelled by car, 8% by bus and 7% by train. The Transport Model for Scotland was used to assess the impact on traffic related matters of the current level of long distance commuting in Scotland. The highest volumes of long distance commuting traffic are on the key trunk road routes. Without long distance commuters, the average traffic speed on all Scottish motorways would increase by 7km/h. Emissions in the morning peak hour period would decrease by 34% for carbon monoxide and 27% for hydrocarbons. There is a general trend for the length of commuting trips to increase between 1991 and 2001. Use of the bus decreased from 12% to 8% over this period and car passenger mode decreased from 11% to 8%. Long distance commuters generally live in and prefer rural areas,are more likely to be male than female, are likely to need to be near family or friends, and are unwilling to change their child's school. Commuting was not a major factor in initial dwelling location decisions. Many longdistance commuters were unable to share cars or use public transport. They were also unwilling to work from home. Policy issues are discussed.

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