Are all the assumptions underlying the original decision still valid?
The assumptions – economic, traffic, environmental – underpinning the original decision to construct the road, date from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although further assessments have been undertaken – and indeed are being undertaken at present – these efforts seem tokenistic at best since the Executive has decided that the road is to be built regardless of what the assessments say. Again it seems to be a question of the Ministerial decision pre-empting any conflicting evidence. Overall transport policy. Transport policy has changed significantly since the road was originally authorised. There is now an emphasis on trying to reduce reliance on the car hence reducing congestion, achieving air quality improvements and extending the public transport network. Also new developments should be located near good public transport where possible. The Scottish Executive’s support for various rail schemes, not least re-opening the Borders Railway which would serve Eskbank and Dalkeith is an exa
