20 February 2009
Halt to Princes Street tram works
Transform Scotland [1] today (Friday 20th) called for the Scottish Government to suspend contracts with the contractors for the Edinburgh tram project until such time as the situation is resolved.
Colin Howden, Director of Transform Scotland, said:
"It's simply not acceptable for contractors to pull out with two days notice when contracts have been signed off months previously.
"Working to build a new public transport system in the heart of Scotland's capital is a prestigious contract. So this is damaging to the reputation of the contractors involved.
"Until such time as this contract dispute is resolved, the Scottish Government should suspend all contracts with Bilfinger Berger. Only a month ago, Transport Scotland awarded a £320 million project to Bilfinger Berger. [2] If contractors can't be trusted to deliver upon signed contracts then we shouldn't be giving them any further taxpayers' money."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
[1] Transform Scotland is the national sustainable transport alliance, bringing together rail, bus and shipping operators, local authorities, national environment and conservation groups, businesses and local transport groups - see <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/our-members.aspx> for details.
[2] See <http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/Work-start-M80-Stepps-Haggs-upgrade-contracts-completed>.
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