Transport minister backs Scottish road pricing scheme

Published on 20/04/2006 11:42

TRANSPORT Minister Tavish Scott today backed plans for a road pricing scheme in Scotland.

The Lib Dem MSP said the idea was the "best option on the table" for tackling congestion.

Traffic in Scotland's cities could be cut by up to one-third, if UK government plans to replace flat-rate road taxes with pay-as-you-drive charges get the go-ahead.

Mr Scott said a pilot scheme could be considered north of the border, but any changes would need to go hand-in-hand with Westminster policy.

The minister was speaking at the launch of the Scottish Executive's consultation on its national transport strategy.

This will set out the Executive's long-term objectives, priorities and plans for the years following 2012.

Stakeholders will be invited to answer 65 questions over the next three months, with the answers used to formulate future policy.

Mr Scott said: "A successful economy is key to our future prosperity and a pre-requisite for building first-class public services, social justice and a Scotland of opportunity.

"This consultation paper poses a lot of the big questions about what we should be doing in transport to make those objectives a reality over the long-term."

The Transport Minister added that the Executive supports the principle of a road pricing scheme, which is currently being discussed by the Department of Transport in London.

He said: "If we are taking a long-term perspective, then the cost of motoring needs to reflect how much you use your car."

And Mr Scott also said he would be "happy" to look at further redevelopment plans for Waverley Station, which the city council views as a top transport priority.