|
The SNP Government refused to put on record an expected timetable for the completion of A9 dualling between Perth and Inverness after Mid-Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser raised the issue during Ministers’ Question Time in the Scottish Parliament today (8 January 2009)
In the Chamber, Murdo asked the Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson MSP when the SNP Government will complete the dualling of the A9 from Perth to Inverness as set out in the Strategic Transport Projects Review. The Transport Minister stated:
“We have a fully committed programme of transport infrastructure investment to 2012 that targets improvements to the A9. Dualling the A9 is a Government commitment. We are delighted that for the first time the project is included in a national transport strategy for Scotland. Furthermore, design work to dual the Birnam to Luncarty station section of the road is progressing currently.
“The strategic transport projects review now provides a robust framework of schemes, the delivery of which will be prioritised in each spending review. A timetable for undertaking further work on the A9 upgrade from Perth to Inverness will be developed as part of the prioritisation process. That will be set in the context of overall affordability and our commitments to other STPR projects.”
In response, Murdo said in the Chamber:
“I am surprised that the minister is being so equivocal on the question of the completion date. On 11 December, it was reported that “a source close to First Minister Alex Salmond” revealed that the dualling of the A9 “will be completed be 2020”. No ifs, no buts, no qualifications and no suggestions that that is dependent on what the Treasury may or may not say about the Forth bridge funding.”
Commenting afterwards, Murdo said:
“There will be anger and dismay in Perthshire and the North of Scotland at the U-turn by the SNP Government on a timetable for A9 dualling. Four weeks ago we were told the works would be completed by 2020. Today the position has changed. The Transport Minister has failed to back the stance of the First Minister, and hopes that this dangerous road would be dualled by 2020 have been dashed.
“The SNP Government are in state of disarray on the timetable for A9 dualling. This is not good enough and an insult to all those campaigning to see this vital link upgraded.”
|
