Business, Freight News, Logistics, Road

Scots get more freight cash

[ February 10, 2012   //   Chris ]

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to provide an extra £4.5m of Freight Facilities Grant, on top of the earlier announcement of £0.75 for 2012-2013 and £2.0m for 2013-2014. The grant is for funding of rail and water facilities in Scotland meeting specific criteria.

FTA’s head of policy for Scotland, Chris MacRae, commented: “This additional announcement of funding is good news. This is especially so at a time of recession and it should be remembered that in England the equivalent grant has been completely ended.” However, he added: “Over the last few years the revenue support grant has seen a declining profile and the Freight Facilities Grant has been subjected to cuts, withdrawal and then re-instatement. This form of stop/go announcement of funding does not give certainty to business when making long term investment decisions in which this form of funding can be essential. While we really do welcome this additional funding announcement, it is important that business has certainty about funding levels going forwards so that it can properly plan.”