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Forth crossing roadshow begins
20/08/2007
A public information exhibition on proposals for a replacement Forth crossing opens today at North Queensferry in Fife and in Edinburgh.
A number of other locations in Fife, Tayside and the Lothians will be visited over the next few weeks.
Two final options have been shortlisted: a bridge or a tunnel to the west of the existing Forth Road Bridge.
Meanwhile, the latest transport statistics and a study commissioned to look at the impact of removing tolls from the Forth and Tay bridges suggest an increase in the number of car journeys on Scotland's roads network over future years.
At North Queensferry, Finance and Sustainable Growth Secretary John Swinney said:
"The Forth replacement crossing will be one of the biggest infrastructure investments ever seen in this country. It is vital to Scotland's future, and with such an important decision I am very keen to hear people's views on the proposals.
"But if we are to keep Scotland moving in years to come, and achieve our aim of improving economic growth, it is clear that we need the public to help us on more than just the decision on the type of crossing.
"Today's reports show that we face growing traffic levels on our roads. The Scottish Government will continue to do its bit - we will continue to invest in infrastructure that tackles congestion, improves connectivity and reduces journey times, and we will continue to encourage people out of their cars.
"We must give people the choice of excellent public transport. We will build new rail lines, invest in strategic road links and improve the bus network. We also need more people across the country to make the choice to leave the car at home.
"We must encourage change in the mode of transport used by the public to protect our environment and ensure our economy can develop without being constricted by an increasingly congested roads network."
Today's publications show:
- A 3 per cent increase in traffic volume last year (according to Main Transport Trends 2007)
- Removing tolls will increase congestion (according to the Toll Impact Study)
On the Toll Impact Study which recommends retaining tolls, John Swinney said:
"While I note the consultants' conclusion that congestion may increase as a result of the decision to lift tolls on the Forth and Tay bridges, the government is clear that it would be an injustice to the communities of Fife, Tayside, and the Lothians to keep tolls when elsewhere in Scotland they have been removed.
"We will instead continue to invest in initiatives which reduce congestion, such as improved Park and Ride facilities, and improved rail, bus and cycle links. These are the kind of initiatives which will reduce traffic in and around the bridges."
Engineers from Transport Scotland and the team of consultants who are developing the crossing will be on hand at each of the public exhbition to guide the public through the studies that have led to the short-listed options and answer questions.
The itinerary is:
- Queensferry Hotel, North Queensferry (August 20, 2pm - 8pm)
- Queensferry Hotel, North Queensferry (August 21-24, 10am - 8pm)
- Queensferry Hotel, North Queensferry (August 25, 10am - 5pm)
- Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh (August 20-24, 10am - 8pm)
- Apex City Quay, Dundee (August 27, 10am - 8pm)
- Orocco Pier, South Queensferry (August 27, 10am - 8pm)
- Balgeddie House Hotel, Glenrothes (August 28, 10am - 8pm)
- Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road, Edinburgh (August 28, 10am - 8pm)
- Dean Park Hotel, Kirkcaldy (August 29, 10am - 8pm)
- Holiday Inn, Queensferry Road, Edinburgh (August 29, 10am - 8pm)
- Best Western Queens Hotel, Perth (August 30, 10am - 8pm)
- Best Western Braid Hills, Edinburgh (August 30, 10am - 8pm)
- BLCC, Halbeath, Dunfermline (August 31, 10am - 8pm)
- Uphall Community Centre, Uphall, nr Broxburn (August 31, 10am - 8pm)