MSP claims that glamour projects rob roads of cash

Glamour transport schemes like the new Forth replacement crossing may become unaffordable in future as budgets fall, MSPs warned yesterday.

The new bridge was even been branded a "waste of money" by one Labour backbencher who claimed transport officials do not care about less prestigious maintenance programmes.

A damning report by spending watchdog Audit Scotland, which warned that the cost of bringing Scotland's roads up to scratch will top 2 billion, came before Holyrood's Public Audit committee yesterday.

Convenor Hugh Henry said: "There are decisions that politicians will have to make over the next few years about whether to invest in these very expensive and open-ended projects or whether they address the basic infrastructure. It's quite clear that we might not be able to afford both."

Labour's George Foulkes added: "I get the impression there are officials in the Scottish Government transport department who are more pre-occupied with prestige projects like this new Forth Replacement Crossing - which is a total waste of money. There isn't glamour and excitement about keeping the roads properly maintained."