The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has praised Scotland's first Freight Action Plan, launched by minister Tavish Scott on Tuesday, for recognising the predominant role of road transport and making a commitment to improving the trunk road network.

Gavin Scott, head of policy in Scotland at the FTA, said: “It has taken two years of hard work by a multitude of interested parties to produce the Freight Action Plan and its mother document, the National Transport Strategy.

“The Freight Action Plan sets out the actions the Executive intends to take to enhance competitiveness, support the freight industry, improve accessibility, care for the environment and ensure policy integration.

“It is in all of our interests to have a vibrant, healthy economy served by a healthy logistics industry and we look forward to working with the Executive, regional transport partnerships and other stakeholders to put the proposed actions into place.