AWPR Decision is “Salmond's Copenhagen Slap in the Face”

22 December 2009. Scottish Green Party Media Release

“Today's decision by Scottish Ministers to approve the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route makes a mockery of Alex Salmond's visit to the Copenhagen climate summit, Greens today argued. Ministers rigged the Inquiry to exclude all the key considerations, meaning this decision could yet be blocked by a proposed judicial review. If the road is built, it will also cost taxpayers dear, especially in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, draining money away from projects which could have reduced pollution and congestion.”

“The Scottish Executive has announced plans for an Aberdeen western bypass. Friends of the Earth, locally and nationally, are opposing this environmentally and socially destructive scheme.

Friends of the Earth considers the entire process a “sham” and a “developers’ charter”. We are demanding that the road plans be shelved and that sustainable alternatives to road building be considered.”

“WWF is on record as saying that the AWPR is unnecessary, damaging to the environment and encourages more vehicle use and therefore is a complete waste of resources. 

We argue that implementing an integrated transport policy involving public transport, cycles and pedestrian access would offer a long-term solution to Aberdeen's transport problems.”

“RSPB Scotland shares your concerns about the environmental impact of this major road development and we have raised a number of specific issues with the Scottish Transport Minister.

We feel that the proposed road and associated southern spur will cause significant damage to the countryside and wildlife around Aberdeen, and could threaten areas protected under European law. We support the view that providing additional road capacity will not provide a solution to problems of traffic congestion in the Aberdeen area and would support investment to improve public transport and provide solutions for the long-standing congestion blackspots on the current road network.”