I'd like to begin by taking the opportunity to wish all our readers a very happy new year, and welcome you to the first issue of SEPA View of 2004. I'm looking forward very much to the year ahead, as we continue to deliver our main aim of protecting and improving the environment, but also as we develop and strengthen SEPA as an organisation. All organisations need to review their structures and performances regularly in order to improve the services they provide; and SEPA is no different. During 2002/2003 we were subject to the Scottish Executive's Policy and Financial Management Review, which looked at how we work and interact with the Executive, those we regulate and the public generally. We were pleased that they found SEPA's work to be performed well, and welcome their recommendations on how we can adapt and develop in order to improve our service. A closer look at the changes taking place in SEPA is provided here.

One of the most controversial and talked-about stories during 2003 was the introduction of congestion charging in London. While those of us who live north of the border can be thankful that we do not face the everyday traffic jams and snarl-ups of the capital, we are not immune. Edinburgh has been consulting its citizens on a proposed charging scheme to reduce the daily traffic flow into the city. Along with the re-introduction of trams, it's hoped such a scheme would reduce congestion and thereby pollutants emitted from vehicles. Our lead story takes a look at the proposals and why they've been considered necessary.

Reducing consumption of fossil fuels is something we need to all try to implement in our daily lives, whether it's by car-sharing, using more public transport, or switching our home energy to a green supplier. New technologies are being introduced to increase the supply of renewable energy, and the UK's first offshore wind farm at North Hoyle in the Irish Sea will produce energy for 50,000 homes each year. To read more about it, click here.

This issue also contains the usual round-up of local and international environmental news, and I hope that you enjoy the read.

Campbell Gemmell

SEPA Chief Executive



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