FTA says Ferries Plan shows importance of freight

Friday 21 December 2012

The Final Ferries Plan, published on 19 December 2012 by Scottish government, shows the importance of freight and HGVs in delivering economic sustainability, says the Freight Transport Association.

FTA has welcomed the announcement that updated passenger, car and small commercial vehicle fares will help pay for limiting rises in commercial vehicle fares to 10 per cent in 2013, thus helping offset the removal of RET (Road Equivalent Tariff) for HGVs on Western Isles, Coll and Tiree ferries.

Commenting, Chris MacRae, FTA's Head of Policy for Scotland said:

"We welcome the announcement of the Final Ferries Plan, and particularly the recognition that the impact of the removal of RET for HGVs must be mitigated. Freight and HGVs are a vital part of ensuring the viability and economic stability of island and remote rural peninsular communities."

However, MacRae added:

"It's ironic, though, that the government is doing this at the same time as the working group it commissioned is reviewing the study into the impact of the removal of RET for HGVs. This report is due soon in its final format, so recognition that the effects of removal of RET for HGVs need to be mitigated is welcome news. What we need to see going forward is evidence-based policy making."

FTA Press Office

01892 552255
press.office@fta.co.uk