SNP WASTING MONEY ON SCOTLAND'S MOST EXPENSIVE TRAFFIC UPDATE - McINNES

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 27th Aug 2009

Alison McInnes, North East Scotland MSP and Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson, has accused the Scottish Government of squandering taxpayers' money on unnecessary road signs.

A new electronic variable message sign (VMS) is currently being erected on the A90 at West Pitmillan between Aberdeen and Peterhead. After contacting Transport Scotland, Mrs McInnes has learned that this sign is part of a wider roll-out of VMS signs across Scotland.

Each sign initially costs £135,000 with annual running costs of £1,800.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"On motorways or when approaching structures such as major bridges or snow gates that are subject to closure, VMS signs can provide valuable information to motorists.

"The Scottish Government, however, seems intent on erecting expensive signs in unnecessary places.

"The A90 at West Pitmillan is not approaching any major structures that require advance warning to be given to motorists. In providing only local traffic information, this VMS sign represents the most expensive traffic and travel update in Scotland.

"This is an astonishing waste of taxpayers' money. With most motorists using GPS devices or local radio to get up-to-date traffic information there can be no justification for this sign. The money would be better spent improving local road maintenance.

"The Transport Minister must either justify the roll-out of VMS signs across Scotland or put an immediate halt to this unnecessary and wasteful work."