Road Pricing

Councillor Alison Magee, Convener of The Highland Council, said she very interested in the long-term measures proposed by the Transport Secretary to reduce congestion on the roads by moving away from the current system of motoring taxation towards a national system of road pricing, which includes a lower level of payment for less congested roads.

She said: "Transport is a major issue in a large and remote area, such as the Highlands, where a significant proportion of the population is dependent upon car ownership. We will have to watch very closely the development of these proposals and try to ensure the unique needs of the Highlands are met.

"We have campaigned long and hard over the high cost of fuel, particularly in remote areas. We will support any measure that recognises the need for fairness for rural motorists on fuel costs and the need for an effective public transport system."