New Forth bridge is 'vanity project'

YOUR editorial on the proposed new Forth Road Bridge ("Beware false economy", 21 February) makes a powerful case for a road crossing of the river, a case we agree with, but then criticises Greens for urging ministers to wait until we know if a £2.3 billion new bridge is needed.

As things stand, we will find out late in 2011 whether the existing bridge would even need restrictions to heavy goods traffic after 2020, yet ministers are set to sign contracts and make pre-election photo opportunities just months earlier.

Bridges around the world have been protected by the kind of dehumidification mechanisms already in use on the existing Forth Road Bridge. Even if that doesn't work, we know the cables can be replaced entirely for less than 122 million, guaranteeing the existing road bridge a lifespan measured in many decades. You rightly argue against false economies, but I can imagine few less plausible economies than spending 2.3bn to save a mere 122m. It's even more irresponsible to think of doing so during what is likely to be Scotland's toughest budget squeeze since the early 1980s. The price of this vanity project would be met by all those who are waiting for better public transport or new schools to be built, and all for nothing.

Patrick Harvie MSP, Scottish Green Party