Scottish Budget for 2011-12 outlines transport plans

Measures include £1bn of transport projects

The Scottish Budget for 2011-12 has been announced, outlining plans for transport.

Key measures in the Budget regarding transport include maintaining existing eligibility criteria for free personal care and concessionary travel and saving money for older people.

Measures to protect and promote economic recovery include a programme of infrastructure investment worth £2.5 bn in health, education and strategic transport projects, to be delivered by the Scottish Futures Trust through the Non-Profit Distributing model.

This programme includes £1bn of major transport projects.

The Scottish Government has had to take a series of measures, including that spend on transport projects will prioritise existing projects over new, with a few notable exceptions such as the new Forth Crossing.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "In bringing forward my proposals, I have been guided by three over-riding priorities: to promote and secure Scotland's economic recovery; to protect and invest in Scotland's vital front-line public services; and, to take forward action on climate change so as to maximise Scotland's potential."

"We have placed at the heart of our decision making our determination to reinforce our social contract with the people of Scotland."

Further information:
Scottish Government