Dave Thompson MSP

Highlands and Islands MSP Dave Thompson has called for the power to order the closure of railway level crossings to be devolved to Scotland as it's retention by Westminster is out of step with other recent movements in rail legislation.

Mr Thompson (SNP) noted that responsibility for many other areas of rail transport had already been devolved to Scotland and that this missing power in Scotland made overall management of the rail network in Scotland more difficult.

"The roads aspect of any level crossing closure order already lies with Holyrood but bizarrely the rail powers are retained at Westminster," the MSP stated. "By devolving all relevant powers to one parliament, the administration and decision making about this would be simpler and less costly."