Brian Whittle MSP has taken to the roads again in his campaign to deliver investment by the Scottish Government in the A77.
The crusading South Scotland MSP has stolen a march on Transport Minister Humza Yousaf with a journey down the full length of the A77 in an HGV. The A77 Action Group have issued a formal invitation to Humza to be driven down the road and gain a better understanding of the conditions which HGV and other drivers have to deal with every day.
With no date for the Transport Ministers trip yet in sight, MSP Brian decided to take advantage of the Scottish Parliament’s Easter recess to make his own journey in an HGV provided by haulage firm Bullet Express. Brian, who is a member of the Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee, announced his plans for the trip during their last meeting, where plans were announced to hold public evidence sessions about the impact that the current condition of the A77 has on the area.
Following his journey down the A77 from Glasgow to Cairnryan, Brian was keen to emphasise the need for both urgent repairs and longer term upgrades.
“While anyone who travels along the A77 will know it needs greater investment, travelling by HGV only adds to my certainty that the road just isn’t fit for purpose. Whether it’s the continuing bottlenecks around Maybole and Girvan, or the limited number of safe places to overtake slower moving traffic, it’s obvious the state of the A77 is holding back the economy of South West Scotland and frustrating drivers on a daily basis.
This is a road that was never designed to cope with the weight or number of HGVs which use it every day and that contributes to the endless cycle of potholes and emergency repairs.
It’s good to see that Transport Scotland have been undertaking resurfacing works along the route in recent weeks but it does feel a little like painting the Forth Rail Bridge; by the time surface has been replaced, it’s time to replace another section.
I hope that Humza Yousaf will take up the A77 Action Group’s invitation soon and see just how difficult the A77 is making life for hauliers.”
PHOTO – Brian Whittle MSP at the start of his journey
