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Ministers to back Forth crossing | Ministers to back Forth crossing |
(about 13 hours later) | |
The Scottish cabinet is expected to back plans within the next fortnight for a new Forth crossing. | |
Ministers are to be briefed on the condition of the existing road bridge, thought to be in need of more intensive maintenance than previously thought. | |
Engineering assessments and detailed reports will be considered before a decision is taken on whether to build a new bridge or construct a tunnel. | Engineering assessments and detailed reports will be considered before a decision is taken on whether to build a new bridge or construct a tunnel. |
Decisions are expected within the next two weeks, possibly by Wednesday. | Decisions are expected within the next two weeks, possibly by Wednesday. |
Last November First Minister Jack McConnell confirmed that Labour was committed to the construction of the new crossing. | Last November First Minister Jack McConnell confirmed that Labour was committed to the construction of the new crossing. |
Approved in principle | Approved in principle |
Further work will be needed before the executive chooses the type of bridge or tunnel it wants, the route it will take and the means of funding the work. | Further work will be needed before the executive chooses the type of bridge or tunnel it wants, the route it will take and the means of funding the work. |
But the Cabinet will be asked to approve plans for a replacement crossing in principle, as well as a broad timetable for its construction. | But the Cabinet will be asked to approve plans for a replacement crossing in principle, as well as a broad timetable for its construction. |
Corrosion is a major problem with the present road bridge and its replacement has been the subject of fierce debate. | Corrosion is a major problem with the present road bridge and its replacement has been the subject of fierce debate. |
The new crossing is expected to be in place before the existing road bridge closes to traffic in 2013. | The new crossing is expected to be in place before the existing road bridge closes to traffic in 2013. |
On Thursday a parliamentary debate on scrapping tolls on the Forth and Tay road bridges ended in stalemate after the parliament failed to agree a position. | On Thursday a parliamentary debate on scrapping tolls on the Forth and Tay road bridges ended in stalemate after the parliament failed to agree a position. |
Both an SNP motion calling for the abolition of the tolls, and an executive one calling for their retention, were defeated. | Both an SNP motion calling for the abolition of the tolls, and an executive one calling for their retention, were defeated. |
John McGoldrick, from the National Alliance Against Tolls, said: "The ministers who say that they want a new Forth crossing are the same people who have fought to keep tolls on both the Forth and Tay. | |
"The assumption must be that this new crossing would also be tolled. | |
"We have calculated that the return tolls for cars would be about £7. | |
"The ministers will be the only ones who will be able to afford to use their new crossing." |
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