New Lib Dem MP calls for scrapping of toll hike plans

12.00.00am GMT Wed 22nd Feb 2006

Dunfermline and West Fife's new MP, Willie Rennie, today met with the Labour controlled bridge board (Forth Estuary Transport Authority) to call for the scrapping of their plans to increase tolls on the Forth Road Bridge.

Mr Rennie led the campaign against the £4 tolls on the bridge and collected hundreds of signatures for his petition against the plans.

"The bridge board must listen to the voters of Dunfermline and West Fife who backed my campaign against these punitive proposals. The consultation process on the plans was a farce and I am calling on the board to scrap their plans and start an effective dialogue with local people on what is required."

"I said throughout the campaign that the proposed huge hikes were unacceptable. I was also extremely critical that the board were proposing these increases at a time when very few public transport alternatives were in place for those who work across the river but outside the city centre. These charges would have little effect on the amount of traffic crossing the bridge but would penalise hard-pressed commuters who have no choice but to drive to work. Only 11% of the traffic crossing the bridge in the morning is destined for the city centre."

"In the past transport planning in this country has been bedevilled by piecemeal decisions. The A8000 is a classic example. I am pleased that we are seeing progress on a replacement road but if the board imposed these hikes now they would be making the same kind of mistake again. We need a effective and strategic transport strategy for the east coast of Scotland if we are to tackle some of the major traffic management challenges we have ahead."

"I asked the Chairman (Cllr Lawrence Marshall) and Manager (Alistair Andrew) of the bridge board to abandon their plans at the board meeting on Friday (24th February). I will also be making representations to the Scottish Executive."