A FIFE MSP has urged ministers to think about the potentially damaging impact retaining Forth Bridge tolls could have on the area.

Kirkcaldy and Burntisland MSP Marilyn Livingstone said she was delighted her Fife colleagues demonstrated a united front on the issue.

“My view is unchanged in that I believe the Forth Road Bridge should be part of the road network,” she said.

“There’s no justification, in my opinion, to scrap tolls on the Erskine Bridge and keep them on the Forth Bridge.

“I’m really concerned about the social and economic well-being of this constituency and all the partners involved in the Central Fife Action Plan are doing a great deal of work towards developing the skills network and on improving local economic development.

“I just think the decision to keep tolls on the Forth Bridge is unsustainable and unacceptable and it will have a direct impact on us here in Fife.”

Mrs Livingstone said the feeling from most, if not all, of her Fife-based colleagues, was the tolls should be scrapped.

“We need to be asking FETA to look again at the tolls and taking our concerns to (transport minister) Tavish Scott,” she continued.

“People were looking at congestion charging and different tolls for single occupancy vehicles.

“My view is that if they are going to look at this then that’s fine.

“But they can’t look at that in isolation over the Forth.

“It’s discriminatory against Fife commuters.

“I think we’ve got to raise awareness of the impact this decision will have on Fife and on Dundee.”

Mrs Livingstone revealed she will pursue all options available.

She concluded, “I will be working with my colleagues to put forward proposals which will benefit the people of my constituency and Fife as a whole.”