| Proposed by council leader Anne McGovern, the motion states that the council reaffirms its principled opposition to bridge tolls, a situation which has been exacerbated by the recent decision to end tolling on the Skye Bridge and the possibility that Fife could find itself being the only local authority in Scotland which has tolled bridges at both entrances.
It continues, “However, as a responsible local authority, we recognise that we have a responsibility to work within the existing negotiating mechanisms, particularly FETA, and appreciate their continued support for Fife, as illustrated by the recent announcements of funding for the A8000, the spur road into the ferry port and their decision to support an additional multi-modal Forth crossing.
“Nonetheless, we must express our concern at the impact road user charges on the Forth Bridge and increased tolls on the Tay Road Bridge will have on the economy of Fife.
“Not only could it deter or restrict inward investment, especially when so much progress is being made through the Central Fife Action Plan and the works in the Levenmouth area, it will obviously have a serious effect on the pockets of people who choose to live and work in Fife.
“We therefore call upon the Scottish Executive to acknowledge these additional burdens on Fifers and the Fife economy by ensuring that they contribute significantly to maintenance costs of the bridges, thus lessening the burden on the people who need to use them.”
An amendment by the Liberal Democrats called on the Executive to acknowledge the ”urgent need” to substantially increase capacity in cross Forth and Tay public transport.
“It is essential that commuters to and from Fife have the opportunity to choose public transport to travel to work, reducing the need to pay tolls or charges.
“FETA would be able to spend even more significant amounts of resources on public transport if the A8000 were trunked immediately and the Executive took on responsibility for the upgrading, which is costing FETA £30 million.
“In a similar fashion, the Tay Bridge Board would be able to take on comparable projects if the Executive funded the additional maintenance and repair work and Board’s responsibilities were widened.
“It is essential that all public transport provided meets the needs of the commuter to and from Fife as far as price, quality and reliability are concerned.
“Therefore, Fife Council asks for an early meeting with the new Transport Minister to discuss these issues.”
Following a debate of around an hour, the Labour motion was agreed by 48 votes to 16. |
