Lorry fares discount scheme to be revealed 8/2/12
Speaking after yesterday’s haulier’s meeting with the Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP, Cllr Donald Manford, Chair of Transportation, said: “The representatives present all made a strong case for retaining RET for commercial vehicles, highlighting the benefits over the past 4 years.
“The early criticism of the scheme was considered deeply regrettable and influenced
the continued perception that the saving had not been passed-
Mr Manford said: “The minister committed that he would look into these issues to
ensure that hauliers who had passed-
“The minister explained that he was unable to continue the RET element of commercial fares as it was not possible to extend it to all routes in a fair manner. He advised that the £6.5m budget for RET required to be reduced to £5m due to the cuts imposed on the Scottish Government.
“He said that having regard for the concern expressed that, dramatic increases would have significant implications for the economy; he would give detailed consideration to the transitional commercial fares discount and make his decision known very soon.”
Mr Manford highlighted a number of “vital issues for additional consideration particularly in regard to specialised vehicles such as agricultural and shellfish transport and their critical role in the economy. The matter of low volume traffic in small communities with limited services, I also indicated should be given consideration.”
He stressed extending the limit on 5 metre vehicles to 6 metres April this year will
result in very significant savings: A 6 metre vehicle currently costing £92.52 on
the Sound of Harris will reduce to £21.10. Similarly the Sound of Barra will see
reduction from £64.44 to £21.10. This provides significant opportunities for inter-