Forth Crossing Bill

The Scottish Ministers introduced the Forth Crossing Bill to the Scottish Parliament on 16 November 2009. The Bill contains their proposals for the Forth Replacement Crossing. Introduction marks the start of the statutory consultation process.

The Bill was published on 17 November 2009 and can be viewed on the Scottish Parliament website.

To support the Bill, a full suite of accompanying documents has been produced by Transport Scotland. These documents, as well as all previously published material, can be found in the information centre.

The Scottish Parliament has processes for considering objections and for scrutinising the details of this Bill in Parliament. There will be a minimum 60-day objection period which starts on 17 November. Any objections to the Bill must be made to the Scottish Parliament. Further details are available in the leaflet published by the Scottish Parliament entitled Hybrid Bills - the Proposed Forth Crossing Bill.

Transport Scotland is staging public information exhibitions in November and December 2009 to make all the documentation introduced in support of the Bill available for the public to inspect.

November 2009 - May 2010: Stage 1 (Preliminary) 

• Introduction of Bill and commencement of objection period for directly affected parties
• Committee established 
• Committee calls for evidence and conducts preliminary consideration of objections as part of its consideration of General principles and produces a report incorporating evidence from other standing Committees (Finance/Subordinate Legislation)
• Report to Parliament
• Parliament vote on general principles 
• Parliament vote on financial resolution

October 2010: Stage 2 (Consideration) Phase 1(dealing with objections)

• Committee (may) appoints assessor 
• Committee manages written correspondence process 
• Assessor or Committee hears evidence 
• Assessor's report
• Committee hears additional evidence (if appropriate) to inform its consideration and final decisions on objections.

Phase 2 (amendments to Bill)

• Any MSP can bring forward amendments (including Ministers), but only Committee may vote

November 2010: Stage 3 (Final)

• Plenary session
• Amendments 
• Approval of Bill

December 2010: Royal Assent*
* Assuming successful passing of Bill