East Lothian Council has called for the duelling of the A1 from Dunbar to the English border.

The Council was responding to the Scottish government’s national planning consultation.

East Lothian Council has also requested the refurbishment of parts of the Edinburgh bypass to improve transport links with the rest of the country.

The government’s National Planning Framework has been developed as a blueprint for improving transport links.

It acknowledges cross-border road and rail links are vital for developing tourism and trade by making more of Scotland accessible to major English cities.


The Council’s transport spokesman Councillor Michael Veitch said: "While supporting the general principles of the government’s plan, we are particularly keen that East Lothian benefits from future investment in upgrading and improving transport links as this will be vital in competing economically with other areas of the country.

"To achieve this we are pressing for the duelling of the rest of the Scottish section of the A1 trunk road from Dunbar to the Border to improve connectivity and the flow of traffic. In addition, to complement this and maintain smooth progress beyond the A1, we wish to see a substantial upgrading of the Edinburgh bypass at such places as Sheriffhall roundabout and Old Craighall junction."

The Council has also agreed its support for Cockenzie Power Station to be developed as a non-nuclear base-load generator, as well as recognising the importance of Torness Power Station’s supply of nuclear generated base-load electricity to the national grid.

(IT)