South Scotland SNP MSPs Emma Harper and Joan McAlpine, along with Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) have written a joint letter to both the chief executives of Transport Scotland and Highways England. They have requested that electronic signage on the main cross-border arterial routes have advice specific to Scotland and England.
The MSPs are keen to help raise awareness of cross-border differences in easement of lockdown.<\!p> Ms Harper, Ms McAlpine and Ms Graeme have cited their constituents’ views and concerns that many people who are coming to visit Scotland from other parts of the UK are not necessarily familiar with the differences in the Covid-19 restrictions between the two nations, which have caused some confusion and even animosity with local businesses and residents.
The trio are keen to stress they welcome and support visitors to the region, but want to ensure that people are aware of the different approaches.
In a joint statement, the MSPs said: “We want to ensure that people enjoy the area safely and understand that in Scotland we have our own approach to easing the Covid-19 restrictions. “Scotland has made excellent progress towards stopping the spread of Covid-19, and now as we are starting to see more of our tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses open, we want to ensure this good progress continues. One way to inform people is by ensuring that everyone is aware of the measures which are in place in Scotland, as they head north, and England as they head south, which we encourage everyone to follow.
“We look forward to hearing back from both Transport Scotland and Highways England soon.”
