Moray Council approves £6.8M transport investment programme for 2026/27

Moray Council has approved a £6.8 million transport investment programme for 2026/27, supporting public transport, road safety improvements, active travel initiatives and traffic management across the region.

The funding package was agreed by the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee on 10 March 2026, outlining how the council will maintain and improve its transportation services over the coming year.

Moray’s Transportation Service is responsible for a range of statutory and community functions including home-to-school transport, m.connect demand-responsive bus services, road safety programmes, traffic management and car park operations, alongside initiatives to support sustainable travel.

Public transport receives largest share

The biggest portion of the budget — £5.5 million in revenue funding — will support public transport services, particularly home-to-school transport for around 2,500 pupils across Moray.

Following a recent procurement process, a new five-year school transport contract will begin in April 2026. The council also plans to continue improvements to school transport routes following updates to pupil travel entitlement.

Additional funding will support the development of the council’s m.connect demand-responsive bus services, while a grant from Transport Scotland will fund the replacement of around 40 bus shelters and all bus stop flags across Moray.

Road safety and traffic management upgrades

The programme allocates £868,000 in revenue funding and £391,000 in capital investment for traffic management and road safety measures.

Planned work includes:

• Road safety studies and data collection

• Installation and replacement of road safety barriers

• Creation of around 62 disabled parking bays and 15 dropped kerbs

• Replacement of traffic signals

• Installation of new road signs and markings

Moray Council is also expecting £175,000 from the Scottish Government’s Road Safety Infrastructure Fund, with the possibility of further grant funding during the year.

Active travel projects planned

A confirmed £500,000 grant from the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) will support the design and preparation of new walking and cycling improvement schemes.

Additional funding bids have been submitted for projects in Elgin and Lossiemouth, alongside proposals to improve active travel routes around Morriston Road.

The council also anticipates further funding including:

• £356,000 through HITRANS for behaviour change initiatives with schools and communities, delivered in partnership with Cycling UK and Living Streets

• £107,000 from Transport Scotland for additional sustainable travel projects

Transport development and parking improvements

A further £250,000 revenue budget will support transport development work, including the transport appraisal for the Moray Local Development Plan, responding to planning applications and reviewing the Roads Authority charging structure.

Meanwhile, the council says car park income continues to fall short of targets, prompting exploration of new revenue streams such as charging for HGV parking in Elgin.

Investment in car parks will focus on improving infrastructure through drainage upgrades, resurfacing works, lighting improvements, signage and winter maintenance.

Commitment to reliable transport services

Committee chair Councillor Marc Macrae said the funding demonstrates the council’s commitment to maintaining reliable transport services while improving safety and sustainability.

“This approved spend reflects our commitment to keeping Moray moving,” he said.

“From the essential daily journeys pupils make to school, to improving safety on our rural roads and expanding opportunities for active travel, these plans make sure our transport services remain reliable and forward looking.

“We’re also making full use of national grant funding to deliver improvements that benefit communities right across Moray.”