The plans are facing opposition

A leading business figure has clashed with opponents of plans for a multi-million pound motorway link in the west of Scotland.

Iain MacMillan, director of CBI Scotland, said the planned five-mile stretch of the M74 in South Lanarkshire, linking it with the M8 in Glasgow, was important for Scotland's economy.

However, Green MSP Patrick Harvie said the development would only lead to more traffic jams in the future and investment should be ploughed into traffic reduction measures.

Mr Harvie, an MSP for Glasgow region, said he would support those who plan to take direct action to oppose the route, although he added that he would not join them at the site.

Remember that the M74 plan by the Scottish Executive does include some very useful increases in public transport Iain MacMillan CBI Scotland

The pair aired their views before Green and Socialist MSPs and other campaigners staged a demonstration outside Glasgow City Chambers on the final day for the submission of objections.

They have called for a public inquiry into the development which could cost between �350m and �500m.

Mr Harvie said: "The trouble is that when you build these new motorways - you increase the capacity on roads - all you do is increase future traffic jams.

"What we need are traffic reduction measures and heavy investment in public transport, particularly in a city like Glasgow."

However, Mr MacMillan said: "Remember that the M74 plan by the Scottish Executive does include some very useful increases in public transport along the corridor and we welcome that too.

"But it doesn't matter what you do with public transport, it will not be enough to resolve the congestion currently on the M8 either side of the Kingston Bridge and on the bridge itself, so we do need the new road."

Mr Harvie said he questioned the economic arguments in favour of the route and "ever increasing estimates" of jobs which would rely on the road.

The Green MSP said he would be pushing for a public inquiry into the plan and, when asked if he supported direct action, said: "I would certainly support direct action, I expect to be too busy."