Scottish Government encouraged to upgrade A77 in UK transport review
The UK Government has published Sir Peter Hendy’s independent Union Connectivity Review
The Scottish Government is being urged to upgrade the A77 road in Ayrshire to improve links between Belfast, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
It comes as the UK Government publishes the independent Union Connectivity Review, led by Sir Peter Hendy. It was launched in October 2020 to investigate how transport infrastructure across all four nations can improve quality of life and the economy.
A number of recommendations have been made, including upgrades for the West Coast Main Line to shorten journey times between Scotland and London.
The Scottish Government will also be offered new funding to support the improvement of the A75 road in Dumfries and Galloway, reducing the length of journeys between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
The review also encourages the Scottish Government to improve the A77 to support journeys between Belfast, Glasgow, and Aberdeen.
Independent Chair of the Union Connectivity Review, Sir Peter Hendy, said, "My recommendations provide comprehensive, achievable and clear plans forward to better connect the whole of the United Kingdom, leading to more growth, jobs, housing and social cohesion."
Hope to bring towns closer together
The UK Government will now carefully consider the Union Connectivity Review’s recommendations in detail.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "With some of the busiest travel corridors for both passengers and freight, strengthening transport connections between Scotland and the rest of the UK is critical to maximise the potential for growth and jobs.
“Sir Peter Hendy’s review identifies key areas where we can boost rail, road and air links to better support Scottish businesses and communities, and we will work closely with the Scottish Government to take these proposals forward in ways that will bring our towns and cities even closer together.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack added, "Our task is now to turn the vision into real improvements. I urge the Scottish Government to work with us to make that happen so we can deliver the benefits travellers want and businesses need."