The Scottish Government should revisit and reject plans to build a major new highway in North East Scotland. The Government’s Draft Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-2026 includes a commitment to “Continue design and development work to dual the A96”,  a prospect first announced in 2011,  involving the upgrade of 86 miles of single carriageway between Aberdeen and Inverness.

Transport Scotland unveiled the preferred route for "Dualling the A96" on 21 December 2020. The proposal retains the existing A96 and recommends an entirely new highway that carves its way through remote farmland and woodlands, destroying agriculture, livelihoods and the way of life for people who currently live far from any roads. This is not a dualling of the A96, and should not be presented as such - it is a major addition to the existing road network with significant economic, environmental and social costs, which cannot be justified.

The very premise of building a major new highway should be reconsidered. The COVID-19 pandemic demands that we build back better - a new dual carriageway is a 20th-century idea in an era when we need urgent 21st-century solutions. Scotland should be demonstrating leadership on the pressing climate change crisis by investing in green infrastructure, improving existing roads, and future-proofing developments for Scotland's future economy. To spend more than £3 billion on a project that encourages private vehicle use and road haulage, when such a road is not necessary, is irresponsible and indefensible when considering the climate impact and destruction of farmland, woodlands and nature. Take the new road off the table, improve existing infrastructure, and invest where we'll need it in the years to come.

Additional steps:

If you are opposed to the building of this new highway, please also consider:

1. Submitting comments to Transport Scotland by 15 February 2021 at A96dualling@transport.gov.scot
2. If you live in Scotland, writing to your local MSP to raise objections. You can find your local MSP here.

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