THE UK has been left out of major trans-European transport plans set to be signed off by the EU.
As a result of Brexit, the UK is largely excluded from plans to significantly increase transport connectivity across the continent – including Ireland.
Earlier this week, the European Commission welcomed an agreement between the European Parliament and the European Council on the regulation underpinning the trans-European transport network (TEN-T).
The revised plan laid out mandatory targets which include ensuring trains in the network travel at 160km/h or faster by 2040 and rolling out a single European signalling system.
Furthermore, it states that airports dealing with more than 12 million passengers a year will have to be connected by long-distance rail in a bid to improve connectivity and bolster rail against domestic flights.
READ MORE: Scotland's net migration from rest of the UK continues to grow
Maritime shipment networks are also set to be improved while more safe and secure car parking will be added to the extended road network.
Improved transport links to the EU-neighbouring countries of Ukraine and Moldova are also on the cards.
Adina Vălean, the European Commissioner for Transport, said: “This is a landmark agreement for the EU.
“Europe needs a transport network that addresses the mobility concerns of our citizens and businesses, both sustainable and resilient, and that builds a bridge with our neighbours, in particular Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans.
READ MORE: Warning as heavy rain and snow set to hit Scotland before Christmas
“We are now equipped to complete that network.”
It comes after the UK Government scrapped its plans for the Manchester leg of the HS2 project in October.
Rishi Sunak said the money earmarked for HS2 would instead be diverted into other public transport projects for the north of England and the Midlands in the “Network North” plans.
However, the Prime Minister sparked outrage after announcing that some of the money saved through the cancellation of the HS2 extension to Manchester would be spent on repairing roads in London.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel