Action needed to protect key infrastructure from severe weather
Commenting on reports that the main Glasgow – Edinburgh rail line may be forced to close because of the impact of severe weather, Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson John Finnie MSP said:
“The Scottish Government must finally take the threats posed by the climate crisis to Scotland’s transport infrastructure seriously.
“In just the last week we’ve seen landslips in Aberdeenshire leading to an awful rail tragedy, widespread flooding across the country leading to significant rail closures and the Union Canal collapsing at Polmont leading to this huge problem on the Glasgow - Edinburgh rail line.
“We know that Scotland will experience more severe weather in the coming years as the climate crisis takes grip, so it’s vital that the Transport Secretary urgently puts in place a robust plan of action detailing exactly how he will protect and enhance Scotland’s rail network. I’ve been calling on Ministers to do this for some time and it’s quite clear that it can’t wait any longer.
“It’s irresponsible of the Scottish Government to continue to commit billions to road expansion projects when Scotland’s existing transport infrastructure is being starved of the investment it requires.”