A96 dualling plans bad for climate and public finances
The billions that the SNP wants to spend on dualling every inch of the A96 could be better spent on safety upgrades and investment in public transport infrastructure, says the Scottish Greens transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP.
In a policy paper to be published in the days ahead, the Scottish Greens will call for the Scottish Government to publish the climate compatibility assessment of the proposed full dualling of the A96, which was ordered in 2021, and agree not to progress investment, which cannot be justified in climate terms.
The party is also calling for the Scottish Government to commission a similar assessment for all remaining sections of the A9 which have not yet gone out to tender and major road infrastructure projects within the City Region Deals while placing a statutory requirement on the Scottish Government, local government and agencies to apply a net zero test to major expenditure, including capital projects.
Mr Ruskell said: “If Scotland is to have any hope of hitting our climate targets then we badly need to reduce car dependency by investing in public transport to make it faster and more accessible.
“We cannot do that while the government remains committed to dualling every last inch of some of our biggest roads, which could take years to deliver while making our climate crisis even worse.
“The money that has been earmarked could be far better spent on necessary safety improvements on the road, and better public transport for communities who live along the route.
“Only last week the SNP told us that they had to hike up rail fares with the return of peak charges. If we are to have a cleaner, greener future then we need to properly fund public transport.
“Times are tough for a lot of people, which makes it all the more frustrating that the SNP has remained committed to carrying out multi-billion pound road building projects at a time when it is squeezing the public services that we all rely on.”