Legal challenge to Scotland’s M74 extension launched in Edinburgh.

Scotland’s £500 million M74 extension faces delays after a coalition of environmental, local community and sustainable transport campaigners lodged a legal challenge to the motorway at the Court of Session in Edinburgh today.

The Joint Action Against the M74, Jam74, has joined forces with Friends of the Earth Scotland to make the challenge against the project, which was approved by Ministers against the recommendations of a public inquiry. The grounds for appeal are that the Executive failed to give adequate reasons for not following the recommendations of the inquiry, or to give objectors a fair hearing.

The extension to the M74 would link the existing M74 to the Kingston Bridge in central Glasgow, which the executive believes would reduce congestion and create 12,000 jobs.

Will Jess, of Jam74, said: "At a time when community involvement and consultation in the planning process is under threat from the Executive, we feel this action is especially necessary."