IIP confirms delays to key transport projects

12.00.00am GMT Thu 27th Mar 2008

Commenting on the impact that the Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan has on transport projects across Scotland, Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP said:

"This plan confirms the SNP Government's major delays and cost slippages on key infrastructure projects like the Glasgow Airport Rail Link, the Airdrie Bathgate Line and improvements to the M8.

"There is also a worrying lack of detail about how vital projects will be funded. The Borders railway and the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route are both to be funded through the

Government's mysterious 'Non-Profit Distributing Vehicle', a model about which there are no details and which has never been tested on projects of this size and importance before.

"Despite claiming that construction of a new Forth crossing is the number one national project, the SNP has failed to publish any information how it will be paid for or when it will be built.

"This plan does not inspire confidence that the SNP will ever deliver their transport promises."