95 per cent of Moray firms believe dualling the A96 will have a "positive impact" on business, Moray Chamber survey shows
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THE vast majority of Moray firms believe dualling the A96 would have a "positive impact" on business.
That's what the results of a recent survey, conducted by Moray Chamber of Commerce, have shown – with 95 per cent of businesses questioned seeing a new road as beneficial.
Forty small to medium enterprises took part in the A96 Dualling Survey, with 85 per cent saying it would increase the region's 'attractiveness' and 76 per cent saying it would reduce transport costs.
Moray Chamber has sent the results of the survey onto Transport Scotland and SNP politicians Michael Matheson, the cabinet secretary for net zero, energy and transport; and Jenny Gilruth, the minister for transport.
Sarah Medcraf, Moray Chamber's CEO, said: "If we are to be competitive as a region then we need suitable infrastructure – physical and digital. Whether that's new roads or the likes of 4G or 5G networks.
"We are sandwiched between Inverness and Aberdeen and should be able to use that but our infrastructure isn't fit for 2022 and beyond.
"We had a hotelier tell us that a wine and spirits company won't delivery to Moray because it is too difficult to get to. If others start to follow suit then we have got big problems.
"We need to upgrade the A96 and make sure it's done in conjunction with the improvement of the railway line and the airport.
"I'm hoping for a response to the letter. The Chamber is ready to continue this conversation."
In the letter to Mr Matheson and Ms Gilruth, Mrs Medcraf added: "The Scottish Government should honour the commitment made to businesses and communities along the A96 that the road is dualled from start to finish.
"We urge the Scottish Government to give a firm commitment to the dualling to give businesses and the economy a much-needed boost."
Further findings from Moray Chamber's survey – conducted in July and August – show that three-quarters of employees use the A96 to commute to work, while 77 per cent of businesses receive deliveries via the road.
Three-quarters of businesses said meetings are missed due to 'unreliable journey times' while 60 per cent said productivity was reduced due to road congestion.
The SNP government previously agreed to dual the A96 by 2030, however, after going into coalition with the Green Party, agreed to first carry out a climate compatibility assessment.
Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead – along with Conservative MP Douglas Ross – also received the findings from Moray Chamber.
Mr Lochhead reiterated his long-term support for dualling the road.
“The dualling of the A96 is vital for the future of Moray’s economy and ensuring our infrastructure is fit for the future," he said.
"I know that local businesses have strong views on the need for dualling.
"The current plan remains to dual the A96. However, in light of the climate emergency the Scottish Government has agreed to carry out a climate compatibility assessment.
“I have long supported the dualling of the A96 given the economic and safety benefits. As many will be aware, it took an SNP Government coming into office to give this commitment in the first place.”
Moray MP Douglas Ross said the SNP should "deliver on its promise to this area" by dualling the road.
“I agree entirely with the Moray Chamber of Commerce," he said. "We need to hear clearly from the SNP that they will honour their promises to this area and fully dual the A96.
“The case for this vital upgrade has been repeatedly made for decades and it's clear from this survey how crucial it is for businesses to have the road dualled.
"The same can be said for residents and visitors to Moray who have been clear that dualling the entire route is required.
“Unfortunately, after the Greens joined the SNP in government, it seems their anti-road agenda is taking providence over supporting businesses and our local economy.
"It’s simply not on and I expect every representative from Moray to demand the SNP government delivers on its promise to this area and fully dual the A96.”
