Plea for single body to run Forth road bridges

Published on Tuesday 13 April 2010 02:27

ONLY one body should be in charge of the two road bridges over the Firth of Forth, it was claimed yesterday.

The operators of the Forth Road Bridge have called for a single organisation to manage it and the new crossing using existing experienced staff and resources.

A submission by the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (Feta) to the Scottish Parliament, which is considering legislation to authorise the building of the new bridge, also calls for a decision on maintenance to be made as soon as possible.

Feta convener Phil Wheeler said: "We consider that to ensure best value to the taxpayer and the most effective operation and maintenance of the two bridges, they should be managed jointly by a single operator.

"There are obvious efficiencies and operational benefits to be gained by avoiding duplication of resources and by one body co-ordinating maintenance and traffic management between the two structures.

"We recognise that this might mean dissolving Feta as currently constituted and establishing a new body. However, our priority is what is best for the Forth bridges and the people who rely on them."

Mr Wheeler went on: "It would make sense for whichever body is appointed to use existing resources – we are fortunate to have already on site a highly skilled and experienced team of staff and a full complement of workshops, stores and office accommodation."

The draft Forth Crossing Bill does not mention the maintenance and operation of the new bridge, with key decisions not expected until 2013, two years after construction on the second crossing is due to begin.