2nd Forth Road Bridge: Another Illogical, Expensive Libdem White Elephant?
Fri., April 29, 2005. 18:46.
Condemnation of decision to build second Forth Road bridge
Greens have condemned today's vote by the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) to proceed with a second Forth Road Bridge at a cost of £700 million despite FETA officials advising that public transport be prioritised instead.
Greens argue that this is yet another costly road-building project that will divert resources away from public transport alternatives. A second bridge will simply encourage more car and use up public cash that should fund rail connections to villages and towns across Fife. Despite a pledge to spend 70% transport cash on public transport, the Labour and LibDem Executive has instead opted for costly road projects that benefit only car owners and deprive those without a car of decent transport alternatives.
Mark Ballard, Green Lothians MSP, said, "A second Forth Road Bridge is a complete waste of public money. If better investment were targeted at getting commuters out of their cars before they get to the existing road bridge, congestion on the existing bridge and in Edinburgh would be greatly reduced. Providing more stations in Fife and more park and ride facilities would be an inexpensive and effective measure to give car drivers an alternative to driving into Edinburgh. It would also be useful to examine the viability of ferries from Kirkcaldy and Burntisland to Leith, as this could be very convenient for commuters to North Edinburgh."
Mark Ruskell, Green MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife, said, "There is no logic to this decision from FETA. The proposal for a second Forth Road Bridge has become a fanciful totem just like the M74 Extension in Glasgow, which threatens to gobble up all the available funding for public transport alternatives that commuters desperately need.
"If LibDem transport minister Nicol Stephen allows this to go ahead he will consign Scotland's contribution to averting climate change to the bin. The choice is clear - either a white elephant scheme to build a second road bridge or a massive public transport upgrade that could include new rail stations at Leven, Methil, and St. Andrews. The transport authority has gone for a bridge which will increase traffic congestion - adding to the £20 billion it costs the UK economy already - exacerbate climate change, and damaging the health of people in Fife and the Lothians."
Greens have lodged a Green Transport Bill aimed at setting statutory targets for traffic reduction so that ministers are forced to adopt an effective strategy to reduce car use, improve air quality and tackle congestion and climate change.
For further information call the Green MSP press office on 0771 761 8771.
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.