Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP

Shirley-Anne Somerville, MSP for Lothians (SNP), is questioning the timing of media reports revealing plans for further tram lines. Instead, the long-standing critic of the trams project is calling on TIE bosses to start answering serious questions about the construction works that are already underway - but quickly falling behind schedule - with TIE deadlocked in a dispute with the main contractors. 

Ms Somerville said:

"The timing of this story is astonishing.  People want answers about the works that have already started and which are fast going off the rails in terms of budget and end date.  Are the contractors going to be replaced?  At what cost? Is the full line that is currently under construction actually going to be completed?   If so by when? Until the public get some answers to those questions it is difficult to see how anyone can credibly talk about what happens next.  

We all want to see a vision developing for public transport in Edinburgh but private briefings to journalists from officials while on a publicly funded trip abroad is no way to announce policy.   

Given the costs involved in any future tram network we need to see full public consultation on the back of a detailed public document which includes a discussion as to how the scheme will be financed.  There is no point having a vision if you have no means to pay for it”.

Published - March 2010