Executive report backs plans for Scots road tolls

Published on Tuesday 5 December 2006 15:06

ROAD tolls and high speed rail links are at the heart of transport plans revealed today by the Scottish Executive.

Under the new National Transport Strategy more "car free spaces" will be created in towns and cities, with people encouraged to walk and cycle, as ministers attempt to cut carbon emissions.

However, the blueprint for the next 20 years of transport in Scotland has focused on travel between cities.

It backs a recent report by former British Airways chief Sir Rod Eddington, who said a road pricing scheme on motorways and trunk roads could boost the British economy by 28 billion.

Scottish ministers have pledged to work alongside Westminster counterparts to introduce a UK-wide network.

Transport Scotland is already considering electrifying the route between Edinburgh and Glasgow to cut journey times in half.

It is now looking at reducing the time it takes to travel by train between Scotland and London to three hours in the medium term.

Further reports, expected next year, will also look at cutting journey times throughout the rest of Scotland.

Scottish Transport Minister Tavish Scott said: "The challenges we face are significant, but not impossible. To duck them is not an option. We need to make more choices and we need to make choices now for Scotland's future.

"We must give people the choice of excellent public transport. We will build new rail lines, invest in strategic road links and improve the bus network.

"For the first time, this strategy maps out the long-term future for transport in Scotland. Across rail, bus, ferry and road, we set out our objectives, priorities and plans to make that vision reality.

"Our aim is to have a world-class transport system fit for the 21st century. An integrated, reliable and environmentally efficient transport system fit for both business and Scots across the country."

The environment has clearly been an important influence on the new strategy.

The two governments are set to work together on increasing the use of bio-fuels and new car technologies.

The Executive also plans to work more closely with transport authorities to improve bus services and introduce concessionary fares for more groups, including young people.

A commitment has also been made to minimising the impact of rising costs on freight transport and will also encourage more goods to be transported by rail and sea to take pressure off the road network.