NEW FORTH CROSSING BACKED

For immediate use: Wednesday 15th December 2010



Attn: NEWSDESKS


POLITICAL / TRANSPORT CORRESPONDENTS


BOOST FOR EAST COAST ECONOMY


The new Forth Crossing moved a step closer today as the Scottish Parliament backed the SNP Government’s commitment with a vote for the Forth Crossing Bill.


The new bridge will carry road traffic while the existing bridge becomes a dedicated public transport crossing. It is estimated to create 3000 new jobs.


Tricia Marwick MSP for Central Fife who has campaigned for a new crossing said:


“The importance of a new Forth crossing for Fife cannot be emphasised enough. The SNP has consistently backed this project and I am pleased other parties agreed with us today.

“As a Fife MSP, I can say it is not only vital for Fife, but the whole east coast of Scotland. This new crossing is a once-in-a-lifetime infrastructure project that will deliver over 3000 jobs and secure £1.3 billion in economic turnover for Fife, Lothians and Scotland.


“Any potential delays would have meant businesses seeking to relocate to Fife would have abandoned the Kingdom completely so I am pleased to see the Parliament back the legislation that is needed to begin construction.


“The SNP fulfilled our commitment to remove tolls from the bridge and we are now delivering on the new bridge that the whole of Scotland needs.


“I look forward to construction beginning on the new crossing as soon as possible.”


ENDS