FORTH CROSSING A MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 26th May 2010

Commenting as she backs Stage 1 of the Forth Crossing Bill, Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP said:

"The Scottish Government still doesn't know how it will afford a new Forth crossing. Transport projects across the country are at risk if the SNP cannot find the right way to pay for the new crossing.

"I remain disappointed that the Scottish Government turned its back our original ambitions that a new bridge should cater for all kinds of public transport. This was a missed opportunity to get people out of their cars and into public transport.

"So as the Bill moves on through Parliament, the Government must play catch-up and make sure that there is a clear strategy for using the existing bridge and the new crossing to promote healthier, greener alternatives to the car."