By Steve Bargeton, political editor

MINISTERS ARE considering controversial plans to bring in higher tolls for single occupant cars on the Tay and Forth road bridges, The Courier can exclusively reveal.

Transport Minister Nicol Stephen has given the clearest signal yet that, far from scrapping tolls on the two bridges, he intends to put them up for cars with no passengers.

He said that reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles using the bridges is “a major issue.”

“Phase one of the review is now complete and phase two will specifically consider the impact of future tolls on both the Tay and Forth road bridges, looking specifically at congestion, pollution and the environment,” he said in a written reply to Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Bruce Crawford.

At the end of last year the Scottish Executive abolished the tolls on the Skye Bridge.

There is speculation that ministers will agree to lifting the tolls on the Erskine Bridge to ease traffic congestion.

But ministers have pointedly refused to entertain suggestions that tolls might also be scrapped on the Tay and Forth bridges.

Now it appears that the plan is to increase the cost of crossing what would be the last remaining tolled bridges in Scotland.

Last night Mr Crawford, who is campaigning against increased tolls, said, “It is as clear as day from what the minister says that, far from being removed, toll charges on the Forth road bridge will only be increasing.

“With the introduction of congestion charging to enter Edinburgh, those using the bridge are in line for a double whammy.

“It is clear that the Executive has no real overall strategy of how to deal with Forth estuary travel matters and do not understand how motorists feel.

He added, “The question I am asking this close to an election is what is Gordon Brown doing to stop Fifers being fleeced.”

Helen Eadie is the MSP for Dunfermline East, the constituency represented by Gordon Brown at Westminster.

“If tolls are removed on the Skye Bridge not yet paid for, what equity and justice is there in continuing to demand tolls for those bridges in Scotland where they have been completely paid for over and over and over again?” she said.

Scottish Tory transport spokesman David Mundell said, “This is nothing short of a plan to take more cash from Scotland’s motorists who already pay the highest fuel duties and taxes of any drivers in Europe.”

Public protests over plans for a 25% increase to £1 for the Forth bridge toll ended with a two-day inquiry in December.

The delay in increasing tolls has already cost Forth Estuary Transport Authority more than £1 million in lost income.

This week the inquiry reporter handed over his findings to Mr Stephen who is considering a response.

A spokesman for Mr Stephen said last night, “As part of phase two of the review, the Executive are looking at a range of options to reduce congestion on the tolled bridges.

“This will include consideration of methods to reduce congestion caused by single occupancy vehicles.”