Figures released by the Scottish Government (who are, of course, quite anti the tram) claim that the forthcoming Edinburgh Tram Project will not be particularly helpful to the environment and in fact will give as many greenhouse gas emissions as 8,000 flights between the capitals of Scotland and England. It has been claimed that 88,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide will be created by the tram line in 2011 – but apparently the new Forth Road crossing will help to reduce the emissions!
tie were not exactly agreeing with these claims and responded by saying these figures also accounted for development and other traffic along the tram route. In comparison the Government say that the new Forth crossing will somehow cut carbon emissions by 23,000 tonnes in 2017.
Professor Stephen Salter, an expert in renewable energy, said: “I don't think there's a clear advantage. It only works if you get the electricity from renewable sources. There might be less pollution if you put your face to the exhaust pipe, so to speak, but a few miles away it makes no difference."
Robin Harper, a Green Party MSP, said: “Ministers are looking through the wrong end of the telescope if they think expanding road traffic and building an unnecessary fifth bridge across the Forth reduces emissions, and if they think getting people out of their cars and into public transport is bad for the environment."
Source: The Scotsman