HS2 train system could arrive before A9 dualling, claims Alexander
Badenoch and Strathspey MP Danny Alexander has told Highlands business representatives that he believes HS2 could be finished before the Scottish Government complete the dualling of the A9.
Speaking to the Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Mr Alexander (Lib Dem), the Treasury Secretary, said that rather than dualling the A9 the SNP government were "dithering with the installation of average speed cameras."
The UK’s biggest infrastructure project High Speed 2 will link cities in the English Midlands to London and is expected to be completed by 2032.
The dualling of the A9 is scheduled to be completed by 2025 but concerns have been raised about the feasibility of this date.
Mr Alexander said: "It’s time for the SNP to listen to Highlanders, stop the dithering and start the dualling.
"At the current rate of progress, HS2 could be complete before the SNP dual the A9. After seven wasted years of SNP in government not one inch of progress has been delivered and no work has been carried out that wasn’t already planned by the previous Liberal Democrat Transport Minister.
"That’s despite an extra £1.4 billion made available for infrastructure projects in Scotland while I have been in the Treasury.
"Everyone who uses the road regularly knows that dualling the road would be good for the Highland economy and good for safety. With opposition towards the SNP’s average speed cameras growing every day, Average-Speed-Alex should focus on completing dualling of the road as soon as possible."
Gregor Rimell, Highland councillor for Badenoch and Strathspey said: "We have two problems.
"One is a Scottish Government which attempts to make the right noises, but does not provide the resources. Then we have Transport Scotland, with a level of competence and communication which frustrates every elected representative whom I know.
"Presumably the present minister does not want to be fired, like his predecessor, so he is also making the right noises without making his Transport Scotland perform and communicate. Is he scared of his bureaucrats?"
