Press Release

SMITH GIVES CAUTIOUS WELCOME TO FORTH PROPOSALS

1/3/06

Margaret Smith, Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh West, has given a cautious welcome to the news that the Scottish Executive will commission preparatory work on a replacement Forth crossing.

Ms Smith said:

“A replacement bridge is likely to take eleven years to build and FETA’s recent report suggests that the current bridge could be closed to HGVs by 2014 and all traffic by 2019. It makes sense for the Executive to begin looking at the options for an alternative crossing, in case that’s necessary. It’s crucial that all alternatives to a replacement bridge, such as a tunnel and ferry services, should be considered.

“However, it should be very clear that this preparatory work is not an absolute commitment to build a new crossing. FETA has commissioned a dehumidification project aimed at extending the life of the Bridge cables. They are also looking at the viability of augmenting or replacing the Bridge’s cables. The report from this is due in summer 2007.

“Dehumidification or re-cabling might arrest some of the deterioration and could result in an extension of the Bridge’s lifespan. If this proves to be the case, I’m reassured the Executive would still be able to bring plans for an alternative crossing to a halt. I wouldn’t support a further crossing with all the costs and disruption involved if it’s not absolutely necessary.

“I also welcome the Executive’s intention to freeze tolls but I am keen to see the Executive and FETA working together to find ways of tackling the growing traffic levels and numbers of HGVs using the Bridge.”