Jeremy Balfour, an Independent MSP for Lothian, has come out fighting against the City of Edinburgh Council’s plans for a north-south tram line between Granton and the BioQuarter claiming it’s a vanity project and that any cash spent towards it would be better spent on other things, such as fixing potholes.
He recently asked a question in the Scottish Parliament of the Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, about funding for the extension, and she confirmed that the government had no current plans to provide money for the line. This is not exactly new news though as it has been well known for some time that there was no cash coming from the government, and the Council have publicly said they would be looking at alternative funding streams.
Mr Balfour is quoted as saying: “Any extension of the Edinburgh tram would be a vanity project by the city council, and the council would be far better spending its money fixing potholes and mending the pavements which are so badly maintained.”
In response, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We’ve said from the outset that we would need to explore a range of funding options, and this hasn’t changed. By developing the business case, we’re enhancing our ability to secure funding, regardless of the source. We’re already having advisory discussions with experts at the National Wealth Fund on future funding and financing options.
“I’d also stress that any Scottish Government funding wouldn’t be required until well into the next Parliament, so the cabinet secretary’s comments today do not impact our plans. From mitigating the impacts of population growth, through to addressing the climate, nature, and housing emergencies – as well as driving forward our city’s economy and tackling poverty – we need to look for ambitious solutions. Doing nothing, as some seem to be suggesting, is simply not an option.”