NEWS RELEASE - Tuesday 4th September 2001

Edinburgh's public transport plans welcomed - but further delays in getting there criticised

Commenting on the reports in today's press about the launch of City of Edinburgh Council's "New Transport Initiative", TRANSform Scotland welcomed the transport investment plans but criticised the further lengthy delays planned before significant improvements are made.

Colin Howden, TRANSform Scotland Campaign Manager, said:

"We welcome City of Edinburgh Council's commitment to bringing about massive investment in public transport in Edinburgh. Edinburgh sorely needs a tram network to supplement its badly-stretched bus network."

"We are however disappointed that the Council is still not committed to implementing congestion charging. However much is spent on public transport to serve the city, this will not sort out the city's congestion and pollution problems unless complimentary traffic demand management measures, such as congestion charging, are also introduced. All carrot and no stick won't work."

"We are also disappointed at the seemingly endless delay in coming forward with a congestion charging proposal. Two years ago every household in Edinburgh was asked its opinion on congestion charging and the majority supported it. Yet two years on we still have no specific proposal from the Council on the table. It is difficult to see this as any more than two years wasted. Now we are going to have more money paid to market researchers and more consultation. It seems that the old adage that 'The only trains that run in Edinburgh are gravy trains for consultants' still holds true."

"Edinburgh Council is correct to call for Scottish Executive funding for public transport improvements. This is long overdue. The Scottish Transport Minister - and Edinburgh Central MSP - Sarah Boyack has in the past two years allotted £400 million for a destructive new road-building programme across Scotland so we trust she will have no problems finding a similar amount for up-front investment in sustainable transport in Edinburgh."