To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the progress of the Sheriffhall roundabout project. (S6O-03514)

Given the large number of objections received following publication of draft orders, a public local inquiry was held from 31 January to 8 February 2023. The independent reporter submitted her conclusions and recommendations to the Scottish Government in October 2023. Those are under active consideration prior to advice being provided to, and a decision being made by, the Scottish ministers on whether to complete the statutory process.

Although we are keen for improvements to be delivered as soon as possible, the statutory right for individuals to have their say on proposals cannot be set aside.

The Sheriffhall roundabout is used heavily, and it regularly creates a bottleneck of traffic, to the detriment of my constituents and local businesses. There is huge public support for completion of the project, and there are serious concerns about the perceived delay. Although I appreciate the need to reduce our reliance on car transport to reach our net zero targets, does the Scottish Government agree that encouraging the use of public transport should not equal restricting improvements to road infrastructure?

There needs to be both. We need to continue to improve road infrastructure for safety, asset management and effective traffic flow—for example, for potential bus lanes and car use.

The vision for our national transport strategy is that we will have

“a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system helping deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland”.

Clearly, in respect of the investment hierarchy, transport options that focus on the need to travel sustainably and reduce inequalities are prioritised.