Community mission for bridges firm

Published on 17/01/2013 12:00

THE private firm which wins the contract to run the two Forth Road Bridges will be officially required to work with local communities.

MSPs were told regular meetings with community councils and projects with local schools would be written into the contract when responsibility for maintenance and operation of the existing bridge and the new Forth Replacement Crossing is handed over to the private sector.

The Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA), which runs the present bridge, is being dissolved and the contract put out to tender.

Graham Porteous, Transport Scotland’s head of special projects, told the Scottish Parliament’s infrastructure committee: “The contractor will have a duty to consult with local people and hold regular meetings.

“Engaging with local communities is very important. We are working hand in hand with FETA to see what they do and whatever they do, similar provisions will be written into the contract.”