Radical changes to transport policy have been approved

They include a network of regional transport partnerships and a roadworks commissioner with powers to punish contractors for slow or sloppy work.

A national concessionary bus fare scheme for the elderly is also planned.

Transport Minister Tavish Scott said the new laws would help deliver ambitious rail and road projects to link communities and grow the economy.

Poor performance

The Liberal Democrat MSP said: "This devolved government is committed to transforming transport delivery and transport infrastructure in Scotland."

"We believe Scotland needs and deserves a transport infrastructure that is comparable with the best in Europe.

"We want a future where others look to Scotland as an example of good practice instead of Sweden or Austria or, indeed, Switzerland."

The new legislation was backed by the Scottish National Party and the Greens but was opposed by the Tories, who branded plans for new Regional Transport Partnerships (RTP) across Scotland "unnecessary bureaucracy".

The bill, under which utility companies would face stiff fines for poor performance, was passed by 98 votes to 17.

Every modern EU state with a better transport system than Scotland has a method of regional transport formulation Fergus Ewing SNP transport spokesman

But Conservative David Davidson said his party was unconvinced that the statutory RTPs, which will comprise of councillors and appointed non-councillor members, would help deliver the transport improvements needed in Scotland.

SNP transport spokesman Fergus Ewing said the legislation, which will also establish a public transport users committee, would give policy a "strong regional voice".

He said: "Every modern EU state with a better transport system than Scotland has a method of regional transport formulation.

"They have also have more investment over a long period than we have seen in Scotland under successive governments.

"We acknowledge that the transport budget of late has risen and has improved but we do have substantial doubts about the way in which some of that investment has been made."