Forth bridge plans likely to be blocked

Published on Saturday 21 November 2009 00:15

TRANSPORT leaders in Edinburgh are set to block the Scottish Government's controversial plans to create a second road bridge across the Forth.

Officials warned last night that they were planning to object to the 2.3 billion project as it fails to encourage the use of public transport.

Councillors will be asked next week to approve moves formally to oppose the parliamentary Bill for the bridge.

It is thought Edinburgh's position is expected to be backed by councils in Fife and West Lothian, whose officials have expressed similar concerns.

Critics have warned the new bridge will simply cause more congestion unless there are more park-and-ride facilities created on either side as well as extra train services, and a possible new ferry or hovercraft.

A new bridge was deemed necessary by ministers after surveys of the current crossing showed that it was weakening and could be closed to heavy vehicles within the next few years. The existing structure will be retained to become a dedicated public transport corridor.

However, in an initial response to the new Bill, Dave Anderson, director of city development, said: "There is currently no commitment to put in place a complementary package of measures to support cross-Forth public transport and high occupancy vehicle movement at the same time as any new crossing.

"It is now evident that the Bill does not set out or provide for a supporting transport strategy."

In a letter to transport minister Stewart Stevenson, Russell Imrie, head of the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership, said: "We are all supportive of progressing the Bill for the new crossing and would not wish to see this process delayed, but we have grave concerns about the level of associated provision for public transport."