INVERCLYDE'S MSP is demanding major improvements in local roads and the introduction of more rail services.

Stuart McMillan says considerable action is needed to upgrade our transport links as well as tackling flooding.

He wants to see a radical shake up, citing a need for better trunk roads and improvements on the Wemyss Bay railway line as top priorities.

The SNP man has made a submission to the national transport strategy taking account of regular complaints from constituents about trunk roads and flooding.

Mr McMillan said: "Flooding issues over many decades have been well documented and proved extremely problematic for local businesses, commuters, visitors and residents who live along the waterfront.

"While a flood prevention plan has eventually been put in place, more work must be done to consider how Inverclyde’s infrastructure is more resilient in all weathers."

The MSP added: “Inverclyde is well connected to Glasgow via the railway lines, but with more homes being proposed for the Inverkip area, the Wemyss Bay line will need to be able to cope with an increase in passengers."

Mr McMillan says that getting transport infrastructure right in the area is crucial to its long-term future.

He said: “Our area has faced population decline since the 1980s – our elderly population in increasing while the number of working-age people living in Inverclyde is declining.

"This is unsustainable for public service delivery, and we must consider how accessible, affordable and reliable transport links can attract more people to live and work in Inverclyde."

The MSP wants providers to make travel more accessible for the disabled.

He said: “I welcome the investment from local and national transport providers that has taken place in recent years, but I want to see continual training for transport staff so people of all abilities can fully access public transport.

"I particularly support the use of audio messages on trains and buses to inform blind and visually impaired passengers.

Mr McMillan's submission to the transport strategy consultation also outlines his support for policies which would move motorists away from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles instead.