SNP must be honest with people on trams - Lib Dems

3.55.07pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 7th Aug 2008

Kevin Lang believes it is time to ensure trams are a success.

Liberal Democrats in Edinburgh North & Leith today criticised the SNP for attempting to face two ways at once on trams after the SNP Transport Minister signalled his desire to see the tram project extended.

SNP Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson today said there was 'logic' in expanding the existing tram line and said "we are not against trams". He went on to add that "the justification for [future] tram projects would be more straightforward, because the infrastructure costs will have been largely met by the first line."

Some local SNP representatives in Edinburgh North & Leith have continued to oppose the tram project, despite the fact the project is being funded by money from the SNP controlled Scottish Government. Some SNP members have even continued to suggest the existing tram scheme could still be stopped, despite the considerable amount of money already invested in the project.

Local Liberal Democrat candidate Kevin Lang said, "With the tram works now well underway, it is vital that we work to keep disruption to a minimum and to have a tram network that benefits people across Edinburgh North & Leith.

"It does not good for SNP representatives to suggest the project can and should be stopped, as some continue to do. They cannot escape the basic truth that the much of the funding for the project has been provided by SNP Ministers, one of whom has today signalled his desire to see the network expanded even further in the years ahead.

"The SNP need to stop saying one thing nationally and saying another thing locally. Rather than trying to face both ways, they need to start working constructively to ensure the return of trams to Edinburgh is made a success."