Scots map out future needs with road tolls and better rail links

06 December 2006

Road tolls and high-speed rail links are key features of the newly-published blueprint for transport in Scotland over the next 20 years.
Scottish transport minister, Tavish Scott, said the National Transport Strategy would give people the choice of excellent public transport. ‘We will build new rail lines, invest in strategic road links, and improve the bus network,’ he said.
He acknowledged that the transport system faced major challenges because of congestion and increased carbon emissions, and outlined plans to create more car-free areas within towns and cities, encouraging people to walk and use bicycles.
As with the Eddington report, the Scottish National Transport Strategy outlines future developments rather than detailed schemes, but it stresses: ‘We need to reduce journey times, tackle congestion, provide attractive alternatives to the private car, and improve connections and accessibility, at the same time as reducing the impact of transport on the environment. We need a public transport system, which is attractive, efficient and affordable, with proper integration and through ticketing.’
Scott said: ‘For the first time, this strategy maps out the long-term future for transport in Scotland. Across rail, bus, ferry and road, we set out our objectives, priorities and plans to make that vision a reality.’
He promised to work closely with the UK Government on plans to develop road charging and to improve rail links. ‘We want to see Scotland's businesses move their goods to market efficiently, reliably and competitively. And we want to reduce emissions. I want to see Scotland’s transport reducing the impact it has on the environment, particularly carbon emissions.’
CBI Scotland director welcomed the strategy as a ‘significant step towards improving Scotland’s transport system’, but the Scottish Nationalist Party criticised it for being ‘long on rhetoric but short on action’.

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Scots map out future needs with road tolls and better rail links

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