This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Go ahead for transport network improvements
29/06/2005
New Transport Minister Tavish Scott today welcomed
cross-party support for legislation designed to overhaul
transport in Scotland.
The Transport (Scotland) Bill 2004, which passed Stage 3
in the Parliament this afternoon, will allow a number of
measures designed to grow Scotland's economy.
These new powers will enable:
• action to tackle poor road works, with a new Scottish
Road Works Commissioner and stiffer penalties for delays
and low quality resurfacing
• the national transport agency to run national free
concessionary travel schemes, particularly the
Scotland-wide free bus scheme for older and disabled
people
• the creation of new regional transport partnerships
covering all of Scotland
• the establishment of a public transport users
committee for Scotland
Mr Scott said:
"I am delighted that on the day that my appointment to
the post of Transport Minister was agreed by the members of
the Scottish Parliament, those members have given their
support to a major piece of legislation that will overhaul
the transport system in Scotland
"The measures we are putting in place will ensure that
the biggest transport investment for a generation makes a
real difference to growing the economy, linking our
communities and improving the experience of transport for
the travelling public.
"The Bill will also help ensure that the £1.4 billion
per year we will be spending by 2007 is used to ensure a
safer, more efficient transport network.
"The next decade will see us invest £3 billion on major
capital projects, such as rail links to Glasgow and
Edinburgh airports, re-opening of several rail lines, the
extension of the M74 and a by-pass for Aberdeen.
"It is vital we have the right skills and the right
structures in place to deliver these big projects. Together
with the creation of the new transport agency, the
legislation passed today will make certain we can deliver
these projects and provide a modern, efficient and
effective transport network across all of Scotland.
"I welcome the passing of Stage 3 today, knowing we will
have the right structures in place to deliver transport
services fit for a modern Scotland."