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Foreword
The devolved government of Scotland's aim is an accessible Scotland with a safe, reliable and sustainable transport system that meets the needs of business, transport users and the environment. To achieve that aim we need the right infrastructure.
In recent years we have invested in road improvements and more are planned. We have also, in conjunction with a range of promoters, made significant investments in new rail projects such as the construction of the Larkhall branch and Maryhill Park to Anniesland branch as a linked scheme and the re-opening of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail link. We remain committed to supporting the construction of the Waverley railway line to provide the Scottish Borders with rail access, the creation of rail links to our major airports at Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as re-opening the Airdrie to Bathgate railway to provide additional rail capacity to the central belt and provide direct connections between North Lanarkshire and West Lothian.
Currently such major rail infrastructure projects are subject to a distinctive Parliamentary procedure. This has proved to be unduly burdensome, technical and complex. The Private Bill process can also be intimidating for promoters and objectors to development proposals.
Therefore we are proposing to adopt an approach for handling development applications such as those applicable to trunk road developments and enable the detailed scrutiny of development proposals via a public examination whilst operating with the express authority of Parliament. We are also keen that any new process should be simpler for promoters and objectors than the existing Private Bills process, while retaining the core principles of fairness, transparency and technical scrutiny.
In this document we set out our initial thoughts. The approach as outlined should help us to deliver improvements. Your views are vital in helping us to get it right and we look forward to receiving your comments.
Tavish Scott MSP
Minister for Transport and Telecommunications
February 2006
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