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Annex C
Saughton House, Edinburgh
Saughton House is located in the West of Edinburgh. Main pedestrian access is via Broomhouse Drive. Vehicle access is via Broomhouse Drive and Broomhouse Terrace.
The 2006 travel survey indicates that 67% of respondents drive to Saughton House, 18% take the bus, 6% walk, 4% take the train, 2% cycle, 1% ride a motorcycle and 2% come by other means.
Pedestrians
Direct pedestrian routes are available to the nearby bus stops. These routes are well lit and maintained. Pedestrian access across Broomhouse Drive is available via formal pedestrian crossing points, highlighted by pedestrian refuge islands.
PEDESTRIAN RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Market to employees and visitors the location of pedestrian links available giving access to public transport and local facilities.
Cyclists
Uncovered visitor cycle parking is located next to the front entrance of the building.
Covered employee cycle parking is located in close proximity to the rear entrance to the building.
Four showers are available within Saughton House, however there are no lockers.
A traffic free cycle route is available from Saughton House to Edinburgh Park Station. This route also extends to the east to link into other traffic free routes and the National Cycle Network ( NCN). This network of cycle paths provides good opportunities for employees to cycle to Saughton House from areas throughout Edinburgh.
CYCLE RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Introduce lockers with hanging space.
2. Ensure that all employees are aware of the salary advance to purchase a bicycle.
3. Consider the introduction of a "pool bike" scheme.
4. Provide employees with information on viable cycle routes between Saughton House and other Scottish Government offices in Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament.
5. Market nearby cycle routes to employees, this includes the traffic free route which runs parallel to the Fastlink guided busway.
6. Consider covering cycle racks at the front of building.
Bus Infrastructure
The nearest bus stops are located within a 5 minute walk of Saughton House on Broomhouse Drive, Broomhouse Road and the "Fastlink". This guided bus way runs parallel to Broomhouse Drive, offering a traffic free service. The Fastlink extends for one mile and connects to on-street bus priority measures.
All bus stops are covered, have seating and display timetable and route information. Bus stops on the Fastlink also benefit from real time information.
Bus Service Provision
Bus routes serving the immediate vicinity of Saughton House have a combined frequency of at least one bus every 4 minutes.
These routes provide direct public transport access to the City Centre and also a number of residential areas throughout the city.
Saughton House is advantageously located in relation to the Lothian Bus 22 service (runs along the Fastlink) which provides a direct and extremely frequent public transport link to Victoria Quay, St Andrews House and to the Waverley Rail Station.
BUS RECOMMENDATIONS
1. 7% of all respondents are unaware of the interest free salary advance for annual season tickets. More publicity of this scheme may encourage a higher take up.
2. Continue to utilise and market the City singles.
3. Market available bus services via paper based media at the main reception and over the intranet. Ensure employees are aware of the bus services which provide public transport access to the other Scottish Government offices in Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament.
4. Consider real time information displays at the main reception.
Rail Infrastructure and Provision
The nearest railway stations to Saughton House are South Gyle and Edinburgh Park. They are both located an approximate 2km from Saughton House. The stations can be accessed either on foot, by bicycle or public transport (with a short walk). An off-road shared pedestrian/cycle route is available from Saughton House to Edinburgh Park Station. This route runs parallel to the Fastlink.
Trains stopping at South Gyle serve the Fife circle via Queensferry. Trains stopping at Edinburgh Park serve towns and villages such as Livingston, Bathgate, Stirling and Dunblane. Services stopping here also run to Newcraighall Park & Ride.
Edinburgh Park and South Gyle stations are un-staffed but monitored by CCTV. There are sheltered waiting areas available at both stations.
Edinburgh Waverley is located approximately 9km from Saughton House. It can be accessed via direct public transport. As one of the main rail stations in the UK, it has excellent facilities for travellers. This includes real time information displays, cycle storage, lockers and large, comfortable waiting areas. The station is staffed 24hours a day and provides access to the main cities throughout the UK.
RAIL RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Provide employees with access to rail information e.g. www.firstscotrail.com, www.nationalrailenquiries.co.uk, www.transportdirect.co.uk, www.traveline.org.uk
2. Provide information to visitors on longer distance trips to consider accessing Saughton House by rail.
3. Encourage employees on longer distance trips to consider travel by rail as a good alternative to the private car.
Motorcycles
Motorcycle parking spaces are located to the rear of the building in close proximity to the entrance. As part of the conversion of the rear entrance to meet with disability standards, motorcycle parking will be relocated but will remain in a safe and secure location. There has been no capacity problems reported.
Private Car
Priority parking is available to senior management, pool cars, security staff, visitors and disabled drivers. Further spaces are available to employees. Car parking is allocated on a first come - first served basis.
Free on-street parking is available on the surrounding streets.
CAR TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Implement a car sharing scheme and designate a car sharing area within the southern car park.
2. Ensure disable parking is close to the main pedestrian entrances.
3. Implement a system to ensure there is no misuse of the car sharing scheme.
4. Re-evaluate the overall parking permit system.
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