SNP MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason, has welcomed news that congestion on the M8 motorway has been dramatically reduced since the opening of the M74 extension in June 2011.

Figures released in response to parliamentary question from the Shettleston MSP have shown that the new motorway has improved the flow of traffic between Charing Cross and Baillieston by on average 18 – 20,000 vehicles per day.  It has also reduced the number of vehicles crossing the Kingston Bridge by on average 11,000 vehicles per day – both of which are resulting in lower congestion and quicker journeys for drivers.

The M74 extension was completed eight months ahead of schedule and £20 million under budget.

Commenting on the parliamentary statistics, local MSP John Mason said:

“These statistics show that the M74 extension has been a major success, not only in terms of it being delivered ahead of schedule and under budget but also in cutting journey times for drivers.

“There’s no doubt that it has taken a bit of time for folk to start using the M74 but these figures show that the extension has reduced the number of cars clogging up the M8.  A number of M8 junctions are now easier to get onto for East End residents who, in the past, would have been queued up for ages because of the slow traffic flow.

“And it’s not just motorways that the Scottish Government is investing in.  As someone who regularly uses the Airdrie-Bathgate rail link to get to Parliament, I can see that being well used as folk commute to West Lothian and Edinburgh.”