The consultation will seek views on common principles that could be applied to bridge tolls in the future.

It will also give people the opportunity to comment on future management of the tolled bridges in relation to the new Regional Transport Partnerships and the new transport agency.

The Transport White Paper gave a commitment to examine the issue of bridge tolls by setting up a two-phase review.

Phase one, published in December, focussed on existing tolls and saw the removal of the tolls on the Skye Bridge and phase two will look at the future issues affecting the Tay, Forth and Erskine bridges.

Mr Stephen said today, “Our bridges are a vital part of the transport network in Scotland and we want to encourage debate on issues of bridge management that will allow us to tackle the causes of pollution and congestion where this is a problem.

“The second phase will look at ideas, such as single occupancy vehicles and priority lanes, exemptions to tolls and discount schemes.

“This will give us a better understanding of the options we need to consider before taking any future decisions on tolls, or the operation and management of these bridges.”