Moray MP Douglas Ross has accused the SNP Government of rowing back on their commitment to dual the A96 as they promised.
His call comes after confirmation of a consultation being launched to review future plans for the A96.
Douglas says that the SNP have backtracked on previous commitments due to bringing the Greens into Government and any watering down of dualling the A96 would be extremely damaging for motorists in Moray and the wider local economy.
He says SNP Ministers are once again demonstrating their lack of understanding of the needs of rural and remote communities, where a car is a necessity and are putting the interests of their party above communities in Moray.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “This review is confirmation that the SNP are seriously prepared to backtrack on previous commitments to dual the A96, which is so badly needed for communities across Moray.
“They are putting the interests of their Green coalition partners above the needs of our rural and remote communities.
“The A96 is already in urgent need of upgrading, and needs to be dualled, but now the SNP are using this review to kick these improvements into the long grass.
“Everyone understands the need to tackle our climate emergency and achieve net zero ambitions, but in Moray having access to a car remains an absolute necessity.
“I would urge everyone to make their voices heard as loudly as possible in this consultation. The SNP made the commitment to dual the A96, but have now put their coalition agreement with the Greens ahead of this promise.
“I will continue to push at every turn for the A96 to be fully dualled as promised to bring major social and economic benefits for the communities I represent here in Moray.”