Commenting on the latest failure by SNP ministers to back promised road upgrades, Highlands and Islands Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“It’s vital that SNP ministers are held to account about the dualling of the A9 and A96. Just last week I received an evasive answer when questioning a minister directly about the projects to dual these roads, and we will not accept another attempt to deflect."
“The SNP should be honest with the communities which these roads service. Are they going to complete the dualling projects as agreed: yes or no?"
“The SNP have a choice: continue with their pact with the Greens, or deliver on their promises to upgrade these vital roads for the people of the North East and Highlands and Islands.”
The SNP will be challenged to support upgrades to critical trunk road networks across Scotland, in a Scottish Conservative debate this week.
The party will use one of their business slots in Parliament on Wednesday to highlight the neglect of major routes under the SNP over the last 14 years.
Shadow Transport Minister Graham Simpson says the SNP must decide whether they will side with their “extremist” Green coalition partners, or drivers crying out for roads that are fit for purpose.
The SNP-Green coalition agreement has cast fresh doubt over whether the A9 and A96 will be fully dualled, as planned, over the next decade.
The Scottish Conservatives will also highlight the need for the SNP-Green coalition to commit to upgrading other major roads including:
- The A75 and A77 in the South-West of Scotland
- The A83 Rest and Be Thankful
- And for them to work with the UK Government to fully dual the A1.
Graham Simpson says the debate will “shine a light” on whether the SNP are truly on the side of Scotland’s drivers.
Scottish Conservative Shadow Transport Minister Graham Simpson MSP, said: “The SNP have neglected many critical trunk roads across Scotland during their 14 years in charge.
“With them now in coalition with the extremist Greens, there are real fears that crucial upgrades won’t take place.
“Our debate will challenge the SNP into making a decision once and for all. Will they bow to their coalition-of-chaos partners or will they stand up for drivers who are crying out for roads that are fit for purpose?
“Right across Scotland, drivers are being left in limbo under this SNP-Green coalition. By backing plans to dual or significantly upgrade many trunk roads, the SNP could give a real shot in the arm to our recovery from Covid.
“Everyone recognises the need to tackle the climate emergency. However, Scotland also needs infrastructure in place that helps to grow our economy and reduces disruption for drivers.
“This debate will shine a light on how committed the SNP are to upgrading our roads. Currently, their plans are simply not ambitious enough.”
