A FIFE councillor has called on Scots hauliers to continue to support the Superfast ferry to Zeebrugge, pending a new operator being appointed for the route in September.

SNP Councillor William Walker said he had become aware that inducements were being offered to haulage firms and their drivers to desert the Fife port and change their sea crossing route to England.

He said, “I know operator DFDS Seaway from Hull is promoting a range of short-term benefits to freight carriers crossing to the continent.

“It may sound very tempting, but I would appeal to carriers and their staff to await the outcome of negotiations currently taking place.

“It just doesn’t make economic and even environmental sense to drive all the way to Hull if a more attractive alternative can be kept from Rosyth.”

He knew transport minister Stewart Stevenson and Forth Ports plc are “on the case,” with negotiations in hand with several potential operators, First Minister Alex Salmond is involved in trying to appoint a new operator at the earliest opportunity, and MEP Alyn Smith is heavily involved in seeking EU money to help finance a new and possibly expanded Rosyth ferry route network.

Mr Walker said, “The present question mark over the ferry route does, in fact, offer new opportunities.

“I hope hauliers will give it a bit longer before making alternative arrangements as I believe a new operator will be announced soon.”