The repeated delays to the start of work on the Maybole by-pass show just how little interest the Scottish Government has in the South West, according to Brian Whittle. The South Scotland MSP spoke during a Members Debate in Holyrood on the by-pass and road infrastructure in South Scotland, brought forward by Emma Harper MSP.
Brian, who also recently submitted a motion in parliament calling for greater investment in the South West, has repeatedly challenged the Scottish Government to pay more attention to the needs of the region’s transport network.
During the debate, Brian criticised the Scottish Government for the repeated delays to work starting on the bypass, highlighting repeated promises from local MSP Jeane Freeman over a number of years that work would soon begin. Brian welcomed the announcement that a contractor would soon be appointed, but expressed his disappointment that the Scottish Government had chosen a design with some two lane overtaking sections rather than a full dual carriageway design.
Earlier this year, the Scottish Government launched a study into transport in South West Scotland that will help inform future projects in the region. The public consultation phase will end on the 16th of November.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“It was good to have an opportunity to highlight the challenges facing road users in the South West with the Transport Secretary. For all that the Scottish Government are desperate to be praised for delivering a bypass for Maybole, when you look at roads in the area more widely, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Like the Maybole bypass itself, too many governments have made promises and never followed through. The Scottish Government shouldn’t think they can rest on their laurels by finally building a bypass. It needs to be the start of a longer programme of investment along the A77, A75 and other trunk roads in the South West. “
