Friends of the Earth call for rethink on new Forth bridge

Friends of the Earth Scotland said the Forth replacement crossing project must be reviewed in light of yesterday’s independent budget review.

The review sets out a range of options that could be considered in addressing budgetary challenges facing Scotland.

Now Friends of the Earth Scotland says the cost of a new bridge would be better spent on protecting jobs, tackling climate change and keeping free public transport schemes.

A spokesman said, “This review adds further weight to the argument that the time has come for the government to look once again at spending £2 billion on a second Forth road bridge.

“As the report recognises we must focus on maintaining our existing assets. All the evidence suggests the existing Forth road crossing can be maintained so it would be madness to build a second bridge.”