The A82 from Glasgow to Inverness is in dire need of widening for most of its length and the A77 is in desperate need of a bypass at Maybole.  In addition, upgrades are needed on many roads, notably A75, A80, A7, A8, A9, A96, A8000 and the western peripheral route in Aberdeen.

John Russell, President of the Freight Transport Association and Chairman of John G Russell (Transport) Ltd of Glasgow, made these remarks when addressing an FTA reception for MSPs and officials held in the Scottish Parliament building on Wednesday (8 June).  The principal guest was the Scottish Executive Minister for Transport, Nicol Stephen MSP.

Mr Russell said that although it was of course important to improve passenger transport facilities, the need for industry to deliver the goods could not be overlooked. 

"Freight interests must not be ignored and here at FTA we were delighted that the Minister recognised these needs when he agreed to the development of a Scottish Freight Strategy.  The planning of that strategy is now well under way and we look forward to working with the Executive and others in its execution.

We are also to have a new Transport Agency for Scotland.  Its role will be to deliver major road and rail projects on budget and on time.  As such FTA looks forward to working with the Agency in the interests of the Scottish economy."

Mr Russell also referred to a new publication from The Institution of Highways and Transportation titled 'Moving Freight'.  He said that the FTA had been delighted to sponsor and help produce this document, which explained the special nature of freight and its planning requirements. 

He said: "Moving freight is not like moving people.  Freight usually makes a one-way trip and does not return to where it started.  At the same time it is not always subject to the same sensitivities as a human being nor does it have a mind of its own to decide that it has arrived at its destination.  Sadly, not every planner necessarily knows as much about the requirements of freight than those of us daily involved in it would like.  Accordingly we hope that the new book will go some way to explaining some of those special needs."