CONTEMPT FOR VOTERS LEAVES LIBDEM ROAD POLICY IN CHAOS.

CONTEMPT FOR VOTERS LEAVES LIBDEM ROAD POLICY IN CHAOS. SAY ONE THING LOCALLY BUT DO ANOTHER IN HOLYROOD & WESTMINSTER DEMANDS JUST DON’T ADD UP Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Dave Thompson has published research which shows that the LibDems’ policy on roads is a chaotic mess with local demands for roads improvements contradicting the party’s national policy which would cut roads funding. Mr Thompson listed the LibDems’ position on transport funding and roads which contradicts what they are telling voters at a local level: * A Liberal Democrat policy signed by LibDem Scottish leader Tavish Scott is not to invest in roads - "We believe that building more roads and runways will not tackle congestion. We would invest in a proper public transport system, taxing lorries and domestic flights to invest in high speed rail." (See Note 1) * As part of their UK 4p income tax policy which will see cuts of £20 billion across the UK the LibDems want to cut 90% of all major road projects * As part of their Scottish 2p income tax policy which will see cuts of £800 million across Scotland Tavish Scott says they will target infrastructure projects * Liberal Democrat MSPs voted for the £500 million Edinburgh tram project - diverting funds from other projects * Liberal Democrats want to charge for usage of all motorways and trunk roads - a scheme supported by LibDems' Scottish leader Tavish Scott Yet at the same time LibDems at a local level are demanding immediate or increased funding in roads projects which directly contradicts the policies they have and would enact in power. Commenting on the chaotic policy Mr Thompson said: "In eight years in power with Labour, the LibDems delivered little in terms of major road project and what was announced was subject to delay, dither and incompetence under two LibDem Transport Ministers! "In contrast it is the SNP which is bringing forward an unprecedented number of plans to improve road transport across Scotland. "The LibDems not only had eight years to deliver these improvements, and failed, they now actually have a policy that would mean no money and no new roads. "Not content with diverting valuable cash, which could have been used for other transport schemes, to an Edinburgh project that even people in Edinburgh don't want – the LibDems in Holyrood and Westminster want to cut the funds and stop roads. “We even have LibDems bidding against each other with Danny Alexander wanting money to be taken away from the new Forth Crossing. How will that go down with LibDem MSP Jim Tolson? "The LibDems are notorious for trying to hoodwink the voters. They will say one thing on local doorsteps whilst hoping the voters don't notice what policies they are supporting in Holyrood and Westminster. "A raft of LibDem MPs and MSPs has some questions to answer about why they are trying to hide this policy from people locally whilst supporting it when in Edinburgh and London? ”If we had a LibDem administration none of those projects would have had sufficient funding and the schemes they call for locally would never be started, far less finished. “It's time the LibDems told the truth to people across Scotland about their policy on roads and recognised the damaging impact their policies would have on the economy."