Scottish Government must do more to prepare for High Speed Rail
December 6, 2010 5:25 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Scottish Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes has called for the SNP to get a grip on its transport agency and do more to prepare for high speed rail in Scotland.
Transport Scotland, Scotland's national transport quango revealed that its work on high speed rail "is being taken forward primarily by two officials… and supported at various stages by analytical colleagues with economic, modelling and finance expertise."
This information was provided in a Freedom of Information response to the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
Commenting, Scottish Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes said:
"Transport Scotland has 280 staff, but only 2 of them are engaged in bringing high speed rail to Scotland.
"The SNP should be doing more to secure high speed rail than holding a few 'discussions'. The SNP have said in the past that we need high speed rail to Scotland and that it should be made a priority.
"On this at least, I agree with them.
"However, the SNP Scottish Government seems to be lacking in real commitment to one of the most important transport projects of the next 10 years.
"High speed rail will reduce the journey time from Scotland to London to just three and a half hours.
"This is something that would benefit the Scottish economy, Scottish businesses and should encourage more Scots to use greener public transport.
"The SNP should have a dedicated team driving this vital project forward.
"The Scottish Government needs to get a grip on its transport agency. The SNP should be doing everything it can to prepare the way for high speed rail.
"I want to see the Transport Secretary match his loud commitments to high speed rail in Scotland with action.
"He needs to be doing his part so Scotland does not to fall behind."
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