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'Why the wait?' questions City MP over new Forth crossing
November 28, 2007 12:05 PM
Dunfermline and West Fife MP Willie Rennie is calling on the transport Minister Stewart Stevenson MSP to keep the SNP promise to build a new Forth crossing without delay.
Prior to the elections in May the SNP made numerous demands that the work should start immediately. In November 2005 MSP Tricia Marwick said: "The work has got to start now." In a leaflet the SNP distributed during the Scottish Parliament elections in May they stated; "The SNP will build a new Forth crossing without delay".
Mr Rennie commented; "Why are the SNP not pushing forward with the new Forth crossing? They have already gone back on one election promise in this area - to reverse the decision on centralising hospital services in Kirkcaldy. They now appear to be backing away from another - to swiftly build a new Forth crossing".
"The previous Executive was poised to push ahead with the building of a new Forth crossing. A new crossing is essential to the economy of Fife. Why then are the SNP dragging their feet and not getting things moving?"
The consultation process on what form the new Forth crossing should take ended in early September - over three months ago. Mr Rennie is supporting the cable stay bridge option. This was the option that the Forth Replacement Crossing Study from Jacobs and Faber Maunsell, who were commissioned by Transport Scotland, also recommended. The SNP however have continually argued for an immersed tunnel.
"I wonder if the SNP are desperately trying to find a way to save face having nailed the colours to the mast so early on by calling for an immersed tunnel. This could well be the reason for the delay," continued Mr Rennie. "If this is the case, it is outrageous and the SNP should commit to the new crossing immediately for the benefit of Fife and Scotland."
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