A �450m scheme to improve transport links in central Scotland has been given a cautious welcome by green campaigners.

The Scottish Executive scheme includes plans to upgrade the A8 and A80 to motorway standard and improve the M74.

Transport Minister Iain Gray said on Wednesday that 45% of the allocated funds would be spent on improving public transport.

Friends of the Earth Scotland welcomed the announcement, but said far too much money was being spent on road building and not enough on public transport.

TRANSPORT PLEDGE

The executive is finally acknowledging that it can't simply tarmac its way out of Scotland's transport problems Dan Barlow, Friends of the Earth

Dr Dan Barlow, from the organisation, said: "The executive is finally acknowledging that it can't simply tarmac its way out of Scotland's transport problems.

"We welcome that 45% of the spending is earmarked for public transport improvements, however this still means that the majority will go towards road building.

"Since 1999 the executive has committed almost �80m to road building. They will have to go much further if it is to fully redress this spending imbalance."

Improving links

Mr Gray said the measures will increase access to jobs and improve transport links for people living in central Scotland.

He said: "These projects combined represent a coherent, strategic approach to improving transport choices in central Scotland.

"They will open up opportunities for people living in towns between Glasgow and Edinburgh and link them to real employment opportunities."

The projects include:

• funding for the development of a rail link between Airdrie and Bathgate

• funding for improvements to the Glasgow to Cumbernauld rail service

• improved bus services on the M8 and A8 between Edinburgh, Livingston and Glasgow

• improving the A80 to motorway standard with a new two-lane bypass at Moodiesburn

• upgrading of the A8 corridor between Baillieston and Newhouse to provide the capacity of a dual three-lane motorway and improving the junction between the A725 and M74

• improved local transport measures to complement the M74 completion including bus priority measures, local road improvements and improved pedestrian and bus access facilities

Mr Gray said the investment answered concerns of local businesses.

He said: "Companies stress how important good transport links are and I am committed to delivering these.

"I have listened to these concerns and by targeting these improvements we can provide real benefits and investment for local economies."

The Scottish National Party's transport spokesman Kenny MacAskill said any improvement to the road network and public transport was to be welcomed.

"However, the executive's announcement is short on timescales and specifics," Mr MacAskill said.

" They have been in power for nearly four years and Scotland has made slow if any progress."