More Detail Needed on Forth Crossing

12.00.00am GMT Wed 19th Dec 2007

Responding to the ministerial statement confirming that the new Forth crossing will take the form of a cable-stayed bridge, Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes said:

"I welcome the Scottish Government's confirmation of the form of the new Forth crossing, which is a project is vital for the economic well-being of Scotland.

"I am particularly pleased at the Cabinet Secretary's commitment to include multi-modal capacity on the new bridge. The Liberal Democrats have always been clear about the need to maximise public transport options across the Forth.

"We now need more detail from the Cabinet Secretary as a matter of urgency on how this project will be funded. The Government has yet to give any information on its proposed Scottish Future Trust, and the Forth crossing is too important to be jeopardised by the SNP's economic wrangling with the Treasury.

"Liberal Democrats want to see the timely delivery of this project, with the minimum impact on the environment and surrounding communities."