| It will soon be examining the results of a study that it commissioned into the effect “teleworking” would have on reducing traffic levels.
Dundee-based MSP Marlyn Glen said the study could make “significant proposals” that voluntary teleworking, in the long term, could reduce peak time traffic in and out of the city and across the road bridge.
Ms Glen had tabled a parliamentary question to Transport Minister Nicol Stephen asking if the Scottish Executive is studying patterns of “teleworking” and its possible effect on traffic.
“In today’s 24/7 working environment, information technology such as the computer, e-mail and the Internet has made it possible for people to be no longer office or factory-bound,” said Ms Glen.
“Information technology can bring the job straight into the living room, and as a result, people could choose to be ‘teleworking’ for most or for part of their working week from their home.
“Teleworking affects only a relatively small number of people at the moment, and there are health and safety issues associated with it that have to be addressed.
“If it were to become more popular and more accessible, such changes in work patterns for cities such as Dundee in the not too far off future mean almost certain traffic reductions in and around the city.
“Consider the beneficial effects on traffic flow around the Tay Road Bridge.
“Last year’s Tolled Bridges Review by the Scottish Executive reported on an increase in traffic over the bridge of over 15% since 1995, and said population and employment changes forecast for the short term could result in further congestion implications.
“The best form of teleworking offers good prospects for reductions in traffic congestion and pollution through significant drops in peak hour levels.”
Teleworking is a generic term for work that can be done at a distance, usually via the use of information and communications technologies.
Nicol Stephen said, “The Scottish Executive has commissioned research to assess the implications of e-working and other information and communication technologies (ICT) on travel behaviour and traffic reduction in Scotland.
“This research is reaching its final stages and we will consider its findings in due course.” |
