Press Release

Consider all options before building a new Forth Road Bridge, says Margaret Smith

1/3/06

Margaret Smith, Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh West, yesterday questioned the Transport Minister, Tavish Scott, about preparatory planning for a possible new crossing across the Firth of Forth.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Ms Smith said:

“Given the concerns about the A8000, the state of the Forth Road Bridge, the environmental impact of a second bridge, and the importance of maintaining the Forth crossing, I welcome today's announcement, and the Executive's recognition of the need to do preparatory work on a second crossing without committing to its construction.

“Will the minister give further details of the range of the preparatory work, confirm that all options—including a tunnel—will be looked at and say what FETA's role will be in the decision-making process on the existing bridge's future and on any replacement or second crossing?”

The Transport Minister replied:

“I suspect that FETA's role will be to continue strongly with the current maintenance work on the existing bridge. FETA initiated the studies that I described earlier, and the Executive will want to look at them. FETA has an important role in ensuring that the studies come to fruition and that assessment is carried out as efficiently and quickly as possible.

“ In the longer term, the matters under discussion will be considered over the next year. We will take advice on the construction of a potential new crossing and on the implications for organisations, such as FETA or Transport Scotland. I assure Margaret Smith that no future crossing option—if such a crossing is necessary—will be ruled out. That is the nature of the initial work that Transport Scotland will undertake under the strategic projects review.”

Notes for Editors:

The Ministerial statement can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-06/sor0301-02.htm#Col23595