PRIORITISING TRANSPORT

One of the first issues which the new Scottish Executive has had to wrestle with in the first few months of its tenure has been the crucially important area of transport, and in particular the future development of our national and regional transport infrastructure.

Between 1999 and 2007, the previous Labour/Lib Dem coalitions in the Scottish Parliament embarked on a significant programme of capital transport projects, including perhaps the most ambitious plans for the expansion of our rail network seen for many years.  The new SNP Executive has inherited much of this programme and has recently committed to the completion of key projects such as the M74, Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and Glasgow Airport Rail Link.

However there are now question marks over other major projects such as the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link and the Borders Railway, with the former subject to a further review and the latter being starved of investment.  The reality of the Scottish Executive�s finances means that one or both of these projects will have to fall if future funding is to be found for the new government�s own priorities.

Chambers must now make our own transport priorities clear to government as it moves to shape its future policy.  Our number one objective over the past year has been the early completion of a new Forth Crossing.  We now have governmental commitment to this and must work to ensure that this vital piece of infrastructure is delivered.  In addition, the Chamber network must work together to identify and make the case for further important transport projects right across the country.

Garry Clark
Policy Manager
Scottish Chambers of Commerce
What�s your view? Email Garry at [email protected]

Back to full news list