TESCO to Explore HGV Congestion Plan for A9

Archive Sections
	General News
	Local Groups' Activities
	Business & Finance
	Property Pointers
	Travel & Getaway
	Health & Wellbeing
	Art, Media & Craft
	Music / Performance
	Event Reviews
	Wildlife/Environment
	Sporting Activities
	Horticulture
	Hoots and Havers
	Guest Columns
	Useful Links
	Comment Online

TESCO to Explore HGV Congestion Plan for A9

AFTER a meeting in the Scottish Parliament on 17 May to discuss the possibility of setting up a ‘Rail Freight Consortium’ between Perth and Inverness, MSP Murdo Fraser is stepping up his campaign to establish a ‘Rail Freight Consortium’ between Perth and Inverness.

His talks with Nick Gellatly, the Corporate Affairs Manager for Tesco in Scotland, explored the possibility of the company using rail to move its goods instead of using the A9.

After the meeting, the MSP said: “I am adamant that taking HGV traffic off the A9 and placing it on rail will help ease congestion on the A9, reduce the accident rate as well as bringing benefits to the environment. That is why I welcome Tesco’s positive and constructive approach towards the possibility of removing freight traffic off of the A9 and on to rail.

“Tesco has recently started using rail freight to transport goods from England to Coatbridge and believes it has been a success. It is now looking into the possibility of using freight services between Perth and Inverness, and this is welcome news for road users of the A9 if this development materialises.

“Although Tesco is currently reviewing the use of rail freight by itself, it is open to the possibility of operating rail freight with other businesses. I am glad that it is willing to work in partnership with other companies and I believe this is a step in the right direction to see a reduction in A9 HGV traffic.

“The next step is to have Transport Scotland and the Scottish Executive support a ‘Rail Freight Consortium’ between Perth and Inverness. We need Transport Scotland and businesses coming together in order to make the scheme economically viable.

“The plan to reduce HGVs from the A9 and put freight on rail is a proposal which would see quick benefits and traffic reduction on the A9. We must also continue to campaign to have the A9 dualled in its entirety between Perth and Inverness. I am positive that the dualling of the A9 in its entirety from Perth to Inverness would see a reduction in accidents on the A9 and ease congestion.