Why an examination of the economic, social and environmental impact and cost of retaining or removing tolls from the Tay and Forth bridges,…

Phase One of the review examinedthe existing tolling structures, including the impact of tolls and the way in whichpotential changes to tolls could help achieve the Scottish Executive’s environmental and economicobjectives of reducing pollution and congestion. Phase Two included an examinationof the broader issues relating to the management, operation and maintenance of thetolled bridges, including an assessment of how the tolled bridges relate to thenew regional and national transport arrangements.
Only a small number of responsesto the public consultation on Phase Two of the review raised concerns about thecosts of tolls to the Scottish economy. Since the announcement of the review outcomeson 1 March 2006, a number of members and local authorities have voiced concernsabout the impact of tolls on the economies of Fife and Dundee. We are committedto examining the economic, social and environmental impact and cost of retainingor removing tolls from the Tay and Forth bridges, in response to these concerns. This new workwill focus on these issues, rather than the more strategic work undertaken to date.