Greenhouse gas failure prompts call for rethink on road project
He reckons PKC ought to invest what money it has for the link road in other projects which encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport as a means of getting around instead.
However a PKC spokesperson reacted by saying, even if it chose to scrap the CTLR at this late stage, there was “no guarantee” it could use what cash it has managed to put together for it on other proposals.
Mr Ruskell said after a debate at Holyrood: “Today’s report on climate change emissions was the final confirmation that we’re failing to make any progress on addressing emissions from transport in Scotland.
“Major road building projects like the CTLR only make space for more cars and study after study has shown they increase emissions from transport.
“Meanwhile, the shift in our lives brought about as a result of the pandemic has given us a unique opportunity to review our transport priorities.
“It’s time to scrap the link road plans and start investing in ways that reduce traffic in and around Perth instead.
“The reduced speed limit of 20mph is a great start which will make the city safer for walking and cycling.
“We now need to improve the bus and train connections further afield and provide safe routes into the city for those who can cycle.”
But a PKC spokesperson countered: “The CTLR will have both environmental and economic benefits to Perth as a city and the wider region around it – based on the Gross Value Added (GVA) it would bring to the economy of Perth and Kinross by improving transport links for road users and enabling access to housing and employment land.
“From an environmental perspective, the anticipated reduction in congestion in and out of Perth and consequent reduction of emissions should also be considered as significant.”
The spokesperson added: “Contrary to what is being suggested, there is no guarantee that, were the CTLR not to proceed, the external funding sources covering part of the overall costs of the CTLR would be available to the council for reallocation to alternative projects.
“Should this be the situation, this would also negate developer contributions to the council potentially worth over £30m over a period in excess of 30 years.”