Smith takes local Forth Bridge concerns to Minister

18/10/07

Margaret Smith MSP has met with Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson to discuss the proposals for a new Forth Crossing and the future of the existing Forth Road Bridge.

The Edinburgh West MSP expressed concerns about the serious negative impacts which a further bridge, Transport Scotland’s current preferred option, could have on the residents, wildlife and natural assets of South Queensferry and other local areas. Ms Smith also raised concerns about Transport Scotland’s consultation process and the lack of clarity about project costs. She advised the Minister of her support for a tunnel rather than a bridge as a new crossing and emphasised the need for any new crossing to be constructed for use by multiple modes of transport, not just new roads.

Commenting, Ms Smith said: “I was pleased to be able to secure this meeting and the opportunity to put the views of my constituents to the Transport Minister. It is crucial that the Scottish Government considers the impact of any new crossing on the communities and businesses nearby, and I was seriously concerned that Transport Scotland’s studies to date had not done this.

“It is also vital that they are fully aware of the serious negative environmental impacts a new bridge could have, and of the need for a modern and sustainable crossing which will allow more than one mode of transport. Transport Scotland’s preferred option of a cable stay bridge isn’t acceptable and will simply increase the number of cars entering West Edinburgh. Any new crossing must be multi-modal.”