Moray Council’s priorities for £6.8m transportation budget for 2026/27
Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee on 10 March 2026 approved a £6.8 million programme of transport investment for 2026/27, supporting public transport, road safety, active travel and essential traffic management across the region.
The Transportation Service delivers a wide range of statutory and community focused duties, including home-to-school transport, m.connect bus services, traffic management, road safety, car parks and the development of sustainable travel options. The proposed budget sets out how these services will be maintained and improved over the coming year.
Public Transport – £5.5m revenue budget
The largest share of the budget continues to support home-to-school transport for around 2,500 pupils. Following a full retendering exercise, a new five-year contract will begin in April 2026. The service will also continue improvements to school transport routes following changes to travel entitlement.
Investment is also planned in the council’s m.connect demand-responsive bus services. Further funding from Transport Scotland will support the replacement of around 40 bus shelters and all bus stop flags across Moray.
Traffic Management and Road Safety – £868k revenue and £391k capital
The budget supports statutory duties such as road safety studies, traffic regulation orders, street works and traffic data collection. Planned investment includes priority road safety measures; replacing road safety barriers; around 62 disabled parking bays and 15 dropped kerbs; traffic signal replacement; new road signs and markings.
Moray is also expecting £175k from the Scottish Government’s Road Safety Infrastructure Fund, with further opportunities to secure additional grant funding during the year.
Active and Sustainable Travel – £500k ATIF grant
A confirmed £500k from the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund will support design work and preparation for walking and cycling improvement schemes. Further funding bids have been submitted for projects in Elgin and Lossiemouth, alongside proposals for improved active travel around Morriston Road.
The Council also expects £356k through HITRANS for behaviour change projects working with schools, communities and delivery partners Cycling UK and Living Streets, plus £107k from Transport Scotland for additional sustainable travel activity.
Transport Development – £250k revenue
The team will continue work on the transport appraisal for the Moray Local Development Plan, respond to planning applications, and update the Roads Authority charging structure.
Car park income, which also contributes to roads and transport improvements, continues to fall short of targets, and the service will explore new revenue opportunities, including charging for HGV parking in Elgin. Investment will focus on drainage improvements, surfacing repairs, lighting, signs and winter maintenance to improve the condition and usability of car parks.
Committee chair, Cllr Marc Macrae stated: “This approved spend reflects our commitment to keeping Moray moving. 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.”