Impact case study database

Undertaken in close collaboration with external non-academic partners, the research has demonstrated impact across a wide range of thematic areas.

Engaged stakeholders included Municipal Authorities and non-partner stakeholders who were central to the method and conduct of the work. This engagement resulted in the academic findings being appropriate for publication in esteemed journals, as well as having reach and significance to policy makers, practitioners and wider constituents. [1]&[6]

Impact on public policy, law and services

Work undertaken within Civitas PORTIS concerned traffic demand management. Its findings were applied by NESTRANS to inform development of the Regional Transport Strategy. [2]

Impact on the environment

The research has supported the development of a revised Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, a key policy document for North East of Scotland that aims to develop an accessible and well-connected transport network for everyone in the community and delivers a “safe, sustainable and economically buoyant city centre with an enhanced sense of place” (Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for Aberdeen, Scotland). [3]

The research has also resulted in the introduction of an evaluation method (process and product) which has transformed the use of evidence-based decision making. [4]

Evaluation of Civitas PORTIS confirmed that levels of NO₂ across 17 monitored sites had decreased by between 5.8% and 23.5% over the course of the project, and especially in areas affected positively by smart and strategic freight routing. Aberdeen is currently utilising this data in support of plans to introduce a low emission zone in the city, as direct evidence of the potential for further ongoing impact. [4]&[5]

Another outcome of the collaborative research between RGU and Aberdeen City Council (initially within Interreg CARE North and CARE North+) has been the introduction of a highly successful car share scheme in the city. The car club run by Co-wheels, which was introduced and supported through evidence from those projects, has been extended beyond the completion of the original research. This also demonstrates a clear impact of the research which supports the implementation of policy aspirations into practice.

Co-wheels activity has taken place throughout the period 2014-20, which has more recently incorporated hydrogen powered and accessible vehicles. The car club when introduced had a fleet of 12 vehicles, which by the end of 2020 had increased to 52. Of these, 18 are electric, 9 hydrogen, 12 hybrid and 13 have standard unleaded petrol engines. Membership of the club now extends to over 2,000 personal accounts (over 1% of the City’s driving age population), and Aberdeen City Council block book out 9 cars for staff use during the working day, thus helping to reduce air pollution and congestion from staff not needing to take personal vehicles to work. [4]

Impact on understanding, learning and participation

The research has had significant impact in terms of enhancing public participation within the research process to facilitate and support wider understanding and democratic formulation of policy. This has included hosting and running of open events (PORTIS), and engagement with the wider community on cycling and walking within urban areas (PORTIS), as evidenced by publications at Civitas level, and media coverage of work concerning informed mobility. [6]&[7]

• In collaboration with the local regional transport partnership (Nestrans), the research team hosted the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Grampian Cycle Partnership, attended by 150 people in 2018. Members of the RGU research team and Nestrans (Caroline Hood, John Barron) are currently committee members in the partnership. Caroline Hood, through PORTIS, also facilitated a Cycle Law Scotland event attended by 75 cyclists, which included presentations and open debate concerning legal advice for riders. These activities form a vital part of our research, and demonstrate a commitment to involving the wider community in the work. [8]

In response to the global pandemic of 2020, Aberdeen City introduced a series of measures to improve space for people walking and cycling in the city centre. The policy and its implementation were made possible due to data collected through PORTIS and evaluated by RGU. The research team also engaged in public debate on these measures through the press. [4]&[9]

To conclude, the research conducted by RGU in the area of sustainable urban and rural mobility has provided evidence and guidance which has been utilised by policymakers and practitioners and has informed decision-making. Impact from the research team has continued to develop in terms of reach, with key team members regularly invited to make contributions to external forums and debate (notably Professor Gray in evidence to the Scottish Parliament). [10]