Dual the A9: SNP kicking issue into the long grass

The Transport Minister has admitted the SNP Government is kicking the issue of dualling the A9 into the long grass.

Speaking on BBC Good Morning Scotland today, he said it could take decades for the Scottish Government to deliver, he sought to blame the UK Government and he tried to suggest that the road would be dualled faster in a separate Scotland.

Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader and MSP for Mid-Scotland & Fife, said:

"It's clear the SNP Government, despite continually promising action, is trying to kick this issue into the long grass. Keith Brown's evasiveness will dismay A9 campaigners who had hoped the SNP Government would keep this promise after the election. To trot out the old mantra that a separate Scotland would be able to dual the A9 more quickly is nothing short of shameful.

"This road, an important link between the Highlands and Central Scotland, must be dualled as soon as possible. The last Conservative Government spent over £600 million on A9 improvements – at today's prices – and constructed 45 kilometres of dual carriageway, whilst the SNP over the past 4 years have spent just £50 million and not built a single yard of dualled road. We are committed to take forward the Strategic Transport Projects Review, which includes A9 dualling.

"We understand that dualling the A9 is a massive financial commitment. However, we should not forget that there is a substantial cost for inaction as well, not just the appalling human cost but also the economic cost from disruption.

"The SNP Government has broken promise after promise on the A9. People in the Highlands and in Perthshire recently put their faith in the SNP and now they are due some answers."

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