MSP Brian Whittle has led a debate in the Scottish Parliament to highlight the urgent need for investment in the south west’s transport network. The crusading South Scotland MSP has been working with local campaign groups to call on the Scottish Government to deal with the catalogue issues with the region’s roads and rail lines.
During the debate, the MSP put particular emphasis on the importance of the A70, A77, A75 and A76 as the key roads in the area most in need of improvement. He also spoke about the need to get serious about improving local rail connections. In his debate motion, he highlighted a number of transport issues, including the challenges faced by motorists and HGVs on some of the area’s trunk roads, congestion at the Bellfield interchange and the frustration experienced by rail travellers between Ayr & Stranraer and Kilmarnock & Dumfries.
One of the biggest arguments in favour of investment are the ferry terminals at Loch Ryan, which are Scotland’s only direct link to Northern Ireland and a key route for trade. With over £1 billion of goods passing through them each year, the ports are a major contributor to the local and national economy. However, Brian also stressed the impact that poor transport links can have on communities across the south west, particularly as local bank branches close and hospital services are centralised, making people more reliant on trains, buses and cars. The former Olympic athlete also emphasised the opportunities to invest in active travel, particularly as more and more people become interested in cycling and cycle holidays.
After pressure from a number of MSPs who criticised the repeated delays to the construction of the Maybole by-pass, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson confirmed that a main contractor had been selected and that he expected work to begin within the month.
The Scottish Government has recently completed a major study of the South West’s transport network. However, once it reports, it’s likely to be well into 2020 at the earliest before any announcements are made about future works.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“After so many years of watching other parts of Scotland benefit from significant transport improvements, it’s time for the Scottish Government to stop ignoring the south west. The simple fact is we’re being left behind as other parts of the country feel the benefits of better transport links. As we’ve seen with the Maybole by-pass, even when investment does come, it comes late and without thought to the longer term.
Most contributions from across the chamber during my debate were constructive and it’s clear there is broad agreement that action is required. My position remains that the Scottish Government must demonstrate it is committed to the south west with a long-term programme of investment across its transport network.”
