DESPITE THE imminent scrapping of the tolls on the Tay Road Bridge, staffing costs in the future will still top £1m.

At a special meeting of the bridge board in Dundee yesterday, members of Dundee and Fife Councils were told that staffing would be cut from 47 to 36 when the tolls go, with most of the staff being retained for administration, inspection and maintenance.

Board treasurer David Dorward said that although there would be no toll collection—probably from January 1—the bridge would remain a major transport link that required continual staffing to deal with traffic management and ensure its effective operation.

The 11 staff to go will include retirees, non- replacement of temporary staff and voluntary redundancies.

The costs of the voluntary redundancy of four staff and one early retiree amount to £124,192, which is less than the board first anticipated.

Mr Dorward said negotiations with the unions ended last week and they were happy with the conclusions.

In addition, staff meetings were held and they were asked what their preferences were for their future employment and these had been met in almost every circumstance.

As far as retraining and redeployment of some staff were concerned, Mr Dorward said some had been out on the safety boats already, and bridge manager John Crerar was satisfied with the situation.

The cost of paying staff in the first three months of next year will be £246,689, which is covered by the current budget. For the years 2008/9 and afterwards, the Scottish Government will hand over a revenue grant including the first year’s £1,010,337 staffing costs.

“The trade unions are happy with the outcome of the talks, and staff are also very happy with their individual posts.”

He said that one particular issue had been the maintenance staff who were being redeployed, where there was a potential loss of pay, but added there had been protection built in for three years to reflect that.

Although other councils in the area had pledged to try to accommodate the staff if possible, there was no need to take up their offers.

“Everyone who wanted to has been retained, redeployed, retired or made redundant at their own choice.”