Cash for 'road to rail' switch

The cash will be used to develop rail freight

Road hauliers in Scotland are to be given cash to use railways and ferries in an attempt to cut traffic congestion.

The Scottish Executive is set to give three firms £11m in a move designed to reduce the number of lorries on the roads.

Transport Minister Sarah Boyack said the freight facilities grants would reduce pollution and traffic jams on the road network.

BP, WH Malcolm and Swedish firm Iggesund Paperboard will use the cash to develop rail and ferry transport.

Transport Minister, Sarah Boyack announced the funding

Announcing the grants, Ms. Boyack said: "These awards will deliver huge environmental benefits as well as make significant progress towards reducing the number of lorries on our roads.

"We are now well on course to achieving our new target of removing 18 million lorry miles each year from our roads by 2002.

"By transferring freight from road to rail or sea, Scotland's roads are less congested for everyone.

Train terminal

"No one likes being caught behind cumbersome traffic - some of Scotland's roads are simply not designed for such use.

"These grants allow for a more sensible use of our transport network."

Ferries will be used to ease congestion

The executive has given £10m to BP to build a new train loading terminal at their Grangemouth refinery.

It is believed this will remove a significant level of traffic from routes throughout Scotland as well as across the border to Cumbria.

A further £900,000 will go to freight haulage company WH Malcolm to construct a rail facility at their Grangemouth depot.

The award will help transfer the delivery of large quantities of glass and spirits from road to rail.

Swedish firm Iggesund Paperboard will receive £700,000 to meet the leasing costs of a ship and for renovation of a pier at Lochaline, Morven.