Written Question · S2W-25967 · Session 2
When the proposed examination of the economic, social and environmental impact and cost of retaining or removing tolls from the Tay and For…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposed examination of the economic, social and environmental impact and cost of retaining or removing tolls from the Tay and Forth bridges will begin and what form it will take.
The answer
The study will addressconcerns raised in the Scottish Parliament about the retention of tolls on the Tay and Forth Road Bridges.
Wewill engage independent consultants to carry out a detailed study of theeconomic, social and environmental costs and impacts of retaining or removing the Tay and Forth tolls.The study will focus on the impacts of the tolls on the economy and local communities in Fife and Dundee; willalso examine wider impacts, on the Lothians and nationally, and will follow theprinciples set out in the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance. Tenders willbe invited with a view to appointing suitable consultants by the end of thesummer.
Theappointee’s study will be informed by the findings of Phases One and Two of theTolled Bridges Review, and by an analysis of evidence submitted to ministers inthe course of this study. From today all interested parties are invited tosubmit any factual evidence they wish to provide in support of the retention orremoval of tolls from the Tay and Forth Road Bridges. Submissions should be sent to the ScottishExecutive at tolledbridges@scotland.gsi.gov.ukby 17 August 2006. I am also writing directly to members, relevant localauthorities and other major stakeholders in the next few days to confirm this invitationto participate in the study. Details of the review will be available on theExecutive’s website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Transport/Road/TollBridge.
We expect a first reportfrom the consultants later this year.
Wewill engage independent consultants to carry out a detailed study of theeconomic, social and environmental costs and impacts of retaining or removing the Tay and Forth tolls.The study will focus on the impacts of the tolls on the economy and local communities in Fife and Dundee; willalso examine wider impacts, on the Lothians and nationally, and will follow theprinciples set out in the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance. Tenders willbe invited with a view to appointing suitable consultants by the end of thesummer.
Theappointee’s study will be informed by the findings of Phases One and Two of theTolled Bridges Review, and by an analysis of evidence submitted to ministers inthe course of this study. From today all interested parties are invited tosubmit any factual evidence they wish to provide in support of the retention orremoval of tolls from the Tay and Forth Road Bridges. Submissions should be sent to the ScottishExecutive at tolledbridges@scotland.gsi.gov.ukby 17 August 2006. I am also writing directly to members, relevant localauthorities and other major stakeholders in the next few days to confirm this invitationto participate in the study. Details of the review will be available on theExecutive’s website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Transport/Road/TollBridge.
We expect a first reportfrom the consultants later this year.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-25967 by reference.