Isles freight ferry fares review nearing completion

Low-cost ferry fares on large freight were withdrawn in March

A review of the the effects of removing discount ferry fares for large freight on crossings between the Hebrides and the mainland is in its final stages.

Earlier this year, Western Isles haulage firms campaigned against the withdrawal of road equivalent tariff (RET).

Transport Minister Keith Brown said the review would examine their concerns.

A report on the assessment will be finalised next month ahead of publication in January.

RET was introduced as a pilot on ferry services in the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree in 2008.

From March it was withdrawn from all commercial vehicles that are longer than six metres.

The Scottish government said arrangements were in place that prevent fares increasing by more than 50% in any one year.

Mr Brown met with island councillors and haulage bosses in July and discussed the issue of ferry fares.

The government agreed to review the impact of removing RET from large freight.