Statistical sophistry

I've always been suspicious of statistics proclaiming precise predictions, and I sense a whopper in the Forth Estuary Transport Authority's claim that removal of the Forth Bridge toll will cause a 21 per cent traffic increase. This results from a "study". Of what? Hands up anyone who's been canvassed.

Do they really believe 1 has kept this huge mass of drivers from the bridge?

Current users can be placed in two broad categories; regular commuters and others. The only other crossing is at Kincardine. Will regulars using that move to Queensferry? As for occasional traffic, it's simply ridiculous to suggest that such a tiny reduction in cost will have any effect whatever.

ROBERT DOW, Ormiston Road, Tranent