Scotland set to get control of rail spending

Published on 26/11/2004 01:05

SCOTLAND is expected to take control of spending on its rail network next year under the biggest transfer of transport powers since devolution.

The UK Railways Bill, published at Westminster yesterday, will mean that the Scottish Executive decides on Network Rail’s spending in Scotland and takes fuller control of First ScotRail’s franchise.

However, discussions over the transfer of funding, covering new projects such as the Edinburgh airport rail link, have yet to be concluded.

The transfer of powers, which The Scotsman revealed in June, will also enable the Executive to set penalties to deter fare dodgers and provide greater incentive for the launch of new services.