| A9 Freighting Initiative Welcomed by MSPs
The Scottish Government’s announcement on 20 May of a funding initiative which will see more freight taken off the roads, has been welcomed by MSP John Swinney.
Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson announced the measures in a deal which will see several major heavy goods transportations companies given grants to transport their goods by rail.
The MSP said: “It is excellent news that such a substantial step has been taken to reduce the volume of transported goods on the roads in Scotland, and in particular the A9, instead transferring much of the produce by rail.
A9 Benefit
“In this respect we must ensure that a transport network is in place which is fast, effective, and recognises the need to improve the quality of our environment at the same time.
“The Scottish Government has been proactive in driving forward policies such as this announcement which will have an immediate and long-lasting benefit for the A9 and Scotland as a whole.
“The A9, as a main arterial route in my constituency and up the spine of Scotland, will see safety levels improve with these announcements, which are only the beginning of a process which will drastically improve the A9 and the economic opportunities for Perthshire and the Highlands.”
£3M Distribution
MSP Murdo Fraser also welcomed the news that £3million of funding has been allocated to haulage companies for two new freight rail services from the central belt to Inverness. This will result in over 400 lorry journeys a week being taken off Scotland’s roads including the A9.
Eddie Stobart Limited will receive up to £982,000 of funding from two grant schemes to help fund a new rail freight service transporting Tesco goods between Grangemouth and Inverness. John G Russell has been awarded up to £2.1 million in two separate funding allocations for a new Coatbridge to Inverness rail freight service.
Commenting, the MSP said:“It is welcome news that we will see a reduction in the number of HGVs on the A9. It is estimated that this freight initiative will result in 3.17 million lorry miles being removed from Scotland’s roads every year, which is good news for the environment and good news for the motorist due to less congestion.
“This initiative shows that large companies such as Tesco understand that they have to take corporate social responsibility towards their customers and are willing to take action that will reduce their environmental impact as well as cut the number of HGVs on the A9.
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