Freight ban delay good news for industry - McInnes

1.28.35pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 18th Jun 2008

Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP has welcomed inspection reports showing that corrosion damage to the Forth Road Bridge is slowing and that weight restrictions, which would affect heavy lorries, may not need to be applied until some time between 2017 and 2021.

Mrs McInnes has, however, expressed concern that the SNP will use this announcement to delay further bringing forward detailed plans explaining how they will fund, the new Forth crossing.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"I am sure that industries who rely on the Forth Road Bridge will welcome news that the threatened ban on heavy lorries has been delayed. The Scottish Government must not, however, use this as an excuse to make further delays on building the new crossing.

"It is a disgrace that after more than a year in government, the SNP appears to have absolutely no idea how they will fund this iconic project.

"Serious questions remain about how the Government proposes to fund this new crossing. With a price tag of £4 billion, there is a growing suspicion that ministers will be forced down the route of tolling to make up the shortfall.

"Liberal Democrat efforts to force the Government to bring forward its plans were thwarted by an SNP and Tory alliance. At present, it looks like uncertainty will continue to hang over this major project until the end of the year and beyond."