Edinburgh MSPs campaign to save the Edinburgh trams

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 29th May 2007

Edinburgh MSPs Margaret Smith and Mike Pringle are calling on colleagues across the Scottish Parliament to sign a motion demanding that the Executive continue to support the plans for Edinburgh trams.

The call by the MSPs comes as pressure is stepped up on the Executive not to dump the capital's trams plan. Politicians, business people, community leaders and environmentalists are all asking the new Executive to rethink its position.

Commenting, Edinburgh West MSP, Margaret Smith said:

"The Executive must commit to funding the Edinburgh trams project.

"If the trams get the green light they will be good for business, good for the environment and most of all good for people.

"If we are to persuade Edinburgh's residents and visitors to leave their cars at home we must offer high quality public transport alternatives."

Edinburgh South MSP, Mike Pringle added:

"The Executive claims that both the economy and the environment are amongst their priorities. They now have a golden opportunity to put their money where their mouth is by backing a scheme which is good for the environment and good for business."