The M74 inquiry slammed on the brakes . . . but ministers drive on Backlash begins as executive ignores advice to stop scheme

Despite sitting through a three-month hearing costing pounds-750,000, ministers concluded the inquiry's reporter had not given due weight to the positive evidence the executive itself had presented, notably 20,000 extra jobs, less congestion and the regeneration of the east end of Glasgow.

Business and council leaders applauded the decision, which they said would transform the west of Scotland economy.

Opponents said they would seek a judicial review of the executive's decision, and warned of direct action when digging began along the fivemile route.

Work on extending the M74 from its terminus in Cambuslang to the M8 at the Kingston Bridge is due to start early next year and finish by mid-2008.

Nicol Stephen, transport minister, said: "This project is a key element in completing the central Scotland motorway network. We believe the benefits of this project outweigh the disadvantages and that it is in the public interest to proceed."

The project would help create thousands of jobs in the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley area using derelict and contaminated land for housing, industry, and leisure, he said.

But Rosie Kane, Scottish Socialist MSP for Glasgow, who entered politics on the back of early protests against the M74, said the executive had treated MSPs with contempt, holding back publication of the report until the eve of the Easter recess, six months after it had received it.

"This road will be a five-mile, six-lane monster defacing Glasgow. The M74 campaigners will now be looking at a judicial review, and we warn the executive that its contempt for the democratic process will cost it dearly."

Patrick Harvie, Glasgow Green MSP, added: "With breathtaking arrogance, the facts and the democratic process have been ignored and the green light given to a road that will generate more problems, not solutions.

"Instead of using the money to improve public transport for the 59-per cent of Glasgow households without a car, they are spending pounds-500m on an elevated motorway of little benefit to anyone."

Friends of the Earth said it would explore every legal avenue, including a judicial review, to stop the motorway being built.

Duncan McLaren, chief executive, said: "This represents probably the worst environmental decision ever taken by the executive.

"It has shown a total disregard for its own policies. For ministers to use bogus economic reasons to override the reporters is irresponsible."

Will Jess, of the JAM74 campaign against the road, also said his group would look at a judicial review, as well as direct action.

"We're absolutely outraged that the executive is going ahead when the report is so firmly against building this road.

"If ever there's been a case to take direct action against a road then it's the executive's response."

Opponents have six weeks to challenge the executive's decision at the Court of Session.

The announcement was welcomed by supporters of the extension project.

Glasgow, South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire councils, who forced the completion of the M74 up the political agenda in the early years of devolution, said the link would create jobs far beyond the route itself.

Charlie Gordon, leader of Glasgow City Council, said:

"This is an essential piece of infrastructure that will make a huge difference in particular to the south side and east end of the city.

"Not only will it remove traffic from busy local roads, but it will open up land for redevelopment and create opportunities for up to 20,000 new jobs."

Alan Wilson, chief executive of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), said it would end the congestion on the M8, which currently put Scottish companies at a serious competitive disadvantage.

"The road to nowhere will now become a route to success.

"The west of Scotland is the engine room of the Scottish economy and it needs firstclass infrastructure, including better roads and new railways.

"We trust that the executive will now build the road on time and within budget."

Frank McAveety, Labour MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, which incorporates much of the route, said: "I recognise the concern about environmental impact, but the central debate is about how to regenerate a part of Scotland that has been consistently overlooked.

"If left to the reporter, another economic opportunity for the east end of Glasgow could be lost.

"This should be used as a lever for long-term change to the area."

Iain McMillan, director of CBI Scotland, added: "We find it almost impossible to believe that the reporter could have reached such a judgment.

"We fully support the Scottish Executive's decision to overrule the reporter's judgment."

BAA Scotland, which operates Glasgow Airport, said:

"This is clearly the right decision, not simply for the millions of people who use Glasgow Airport every year but of Glasgow itself.

"It is also right for Scotland's future economic prosperity."

The AA, the motoring group, said the decision was the best news for Scottish drivers in years, while the RAC also backed it, and said it was a victory for common sense.

SPLIT OPINIONS

EMPLOYMENT Ministers said: M74 Link will create 20,000 jobs in Glasgow and Clyde Valley.

Richard Hickman, inquiry reporter, said: Only 5000 Scots jobs "at most" will be new.

CONGESTION Ministers: Immediate improvements in M8 traffic flow.

Mr Hickman: Congestion benefits would be "ephemeral".

BUDGETS Ministers: pounds-500m does not break pledge to set transport budget 70/30 in favour of public transport.

Mr Hickman: Fundamental conflict between M74 link and executive policy on 70/30 split.

ENVIRONMENT Ministers: M74 link will have a positive impact on air quality.

Mr Hickman: True of some pollutants, but traffic will create extra 134,800 tonnes of CO2 per year by 2020.