The Queensferry Crossing has made major improvements for transport connections
in Scotland and is the largest infrastructure project in our country for a generation.
As a Member of the Scottish Parliament, I am fully aware of the importance of the
haulage sector to Scotland’s economy and I appreciate the major challenges that the
industry is facing at this time. This article is asking your help to make a big difference
to the daily lives of my constituents living in and around the village of Newton, West
Lothian.
There is an ever-increasing number of HGVs using the A809 via Newton on the road
to and from the Queensferry Crossing, often directed to do so by SatNav. The recently
published “Forth Replacement Crossing Project One Year After evaluation report”
documents a 20% increase in traffic through the village. My constituents are
experiencing an ever-increasing volume of traffic.
Drivers not familiar with the area may rely on satnav, which is directing drivers to use
this route as it is 2-3min shorter than using the A90 and M90-M9 link. Although this is
currently the case, the ever-increasing congestion, reduced 20mph speed limit and
traffic lights will directly affect fuel efficiency. Residents in Newton, through their own
detailed analysis, report two HGVs driving through their small village every minute and
have recorded excess speeding, pedestrian safety issues and structural shaking of
old buildings with damage to property and road verges. I understand that vehicles will
also be using this route for local access purposes, but we need your help with what
has become intolerable situation.
The residents of Newton would be very grateful if those in the haulage sector take
steps to ensure their drivers use the intended route directly from M9. I am aware that
Newton Community Council have already received a positive response from Malcolm
Distributions who have geofencing in place in Newton and it would be appreciated if
other companies could do this as well. I know that West Lothian Council is also working
with Newton Community Council to see what else can be done to improve the situation.
I would like to thank Martin Reid, Director of Operations at the Road Haulage
Association for taking the time to meet with me and for his cooperation in sharing the
experiences of my constituents in Newton and for briefing me on the major challenges
facing the haulage industry at this time.
I hope your haulage company take a small step to make a big difference to the people
living in the small village of Newton in my Constituency.
Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency