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Wednesday, 3 October 2007, 16:55 GMT 17:55 UK

Fears over second Forth crossing

Forth Bridge Campaigners fighting the construction of a new Forth crossing have asked ministers to think again.

Residents from South Queensferry have handed in a 400-signature petition to the Scottish Government.

They are concerned that creating a new bridge or tunnel will simply double the amount of traffic crossing the Forth rather than tackling congestion.

However, the government said it needed to act now because of concerns over the future viability of the bridge.

Finance Secretary John Swinney has warned that the project could end up costing the taxpayer about £3bn.

The petition asks ministers to wait for the publication of a detailed report on the state of the current bridge before making a decision.

Preliminary findings published in June revealed that the corroding main cables could be repaired or replaced.

"South Queensferry is a small village that is already blighted by heavy traffic"
Bruce Whitehead
South Queensferry resident


Bruce Whitehead, local resident, said: "South Queensferry is a small village that is already blighted by heavy traffic from the existing Forth Road Bridge and from a new road."

"People are concerned that another bridge will double the amount of traffic congestion in what is already a busy area."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Concerns over the future viability of the existing bridge mean that we need to act now to protect the future of cross-Forth travel."

She said there was no clear timetable or "absolute assurance" on work that could be done on the existing crossing.

"This government is not prepared to see the people of Fife be left without direct access to the Lothians," she added.



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Related to this story:
Bill aims to scrap bridge tolls (04 Sep 07 |  Edinburgh, East and Fife )
Forth crossing options go public (20 Aug 07 |  Edinburgh, East and Fife )
Hovercraft trial 'success' claim (29 Jul 07 |  Edinburgh, East and Fife )

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