This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/6977092.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Bridge tolls bill to be published Bill aims to scrap bridge tolls
(about 1 hour later)
The bid to scrap tolls on the Forth and Tay road bridges is expected to move forward with the publication of a bill in the Scottish Parliament. The bid to scrap tolls on the Forth and Tay road bridges has moved forward with the publication of a bill in the Scottish Parliament.
The legislation will then be able to start its passage through Holyrood. The Scottish National Party made ending tolls a pledge at May's election.
The Scottish National Party made ending the bridge tolls a pledge at May's election. It is understood the project will cost up to £16m per year to implement plus a similar amount to pay off the existing debt on the Tay Bridge.
On Tuesday, the Nationalists will publish the Bill which, if successful, will result in costs amounting to many millions. Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said he wanted tolls removed as soon as practicable.
It is understood it the project will cost up to £16m per year to implement plus a similar amount to pay off the existing debt on the Tay Bridge. 'Unfair' charges
The opposition parties have agreed to back the bill on a number of conditions, including; Mr Stevenson said: "If passed, all road bridges in Scotland will be free thus ending years of injustice for the communities of Fife, Tayside and the Lothians.
"We believe that it is unfair and unacceptable that the two road bridges into and out of Fife are the only remaining toll bridges in Scotland
"The proposal of a bill has received support in parliament, and more importantly, from the general public.
"We hope to remove tolls at the earliest opportunity, subject to due parliamentary process."
The opposition parties have agreed to back the Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill on a number of conditions, including;
  • the government demonstrating that it has plans to manage congestion
  • the government demonstrating that it has plans to manage congestion
  • ensuring that it can afford to fund maintenance and repairs
  • ensuring that it can afford to fund maintenance and repairs
  • and that it will provide support for toll collection staff who stand to lose their jobs
  • and that it will provide support for toll collection staff who stand to lose their jobs
    • If the legislative process goes to plan then the crossings should become free early in the new year.If the legislative process goes to plan then the crossings should become free early in the new year.
    Charges for the Skye and Erskine Bridges have already been scrapped.Charges for the Skye and Erskine Bridges have already been scrapped.
    The abolition of tolls bill was the first piece of legislation introduced to parliament by the new Scottish Government.