Morning of high tension at Chambers

THERE was a palpable air of tension at the City Chambers today as a media throng gathered to hear the results of the road tolls referendum.

"Yes" and "No" campaigners mingled with opposition politicians in the building’s Mandela Room as ballot papers were counted ahead of one of the most significant decisions in the Capital’s history.

People lobbying for a "No" vote expressed confidence from mid-morning as rumours spread that ballot samples showed a landslide defeat for the 2 per day scheme.

Senior Tories and Lib Dems as well as campaigners from both sides were privately told of the tally shortly before 11.30am.

Meanwhile, scores of journalists descended on the council chamber to hear the official announcement from local authority chief executive Tom Aitchison - which was beamed live on television to millions of households.

Mr Aitchison’s declaration of a major defeat for the proposals was greeted with a whoop of joy and applause as the grim-faced city transport leader Andrew Burns looked on.

At the subsequent press conference, council leader Donald Anderson and Cllr Burns stood at the podium fielding questions from the waiting media and facing the non-stop flash of cameras.

Cllr Anderson appeared upbeat about the results but disappointment was firmly etched on the face of Cllr Burns.

As the press conference ended, reporters converged on him as he filed past victorious "No" campaigners including Scottish Tory leader David McLetchie and community activist Tina Woolnough.

Delighted Lib Dem group leader Jenny Dawe and the city’s Tory transport spokesman Allan Jackson then took to the podium to welcome the referendum result.