FEARS THAT the Scottish Executive could abolish tolls on the Tay Road Bridge but retain the charge on the Forth crossing have been echoed by another Fife councillor.

Last week, The Courier reported the concerns of Mike Rumney, chairman of the environment and development committee, that such a scenario was a real possibility.

Now Kirkcaldy councillor John Mackenzie says he is “increasingly convinced” such proposals do indeed exist.

Mr Mackenzie said, “Such a scenario would not be inconsistent with the ongoing, expensive plaza toll replacement there.

“Furthermore, recent history reminds us of the widely-circulated ‘rumours’ concerning the abolition of tolls on the Erskine Bridge, which subsequently materialised.

“Let us be clear, however, that such a decision (whilst perhaps welcome in the Dundee area) would receive a suitably muted response from Fifers, given that we would remain uniquely subjected to the highly discriminatory, and wholly unfair, charges.”

Mr Mackenzie continued, “The arguments against retention have already been convincingly made: the incalculable damaging effect on the Fife economy, the detrimental effect on tourism, the regressive nature of the tax, which is effectively a tax on free movement into Fife.

“Consequently, nothing short of a complete withdrawal is required.

“Our case is strengthened by the overwhelming opposition, increasing in line with the obvious Executive procrastination, from a broad spectrum of sources and the finding that by removing the tolls congestion would be eased.

“This issue will not simply disappear or be diluted by a partial, belated concession to pressure, rather our resolve is absolute and nothing less than a ‘toll-free Scotland’ will satisfy our legitimate demands.”