Scots hopeful that ferry fares will be slashed
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HAULIERS RELYING on ferries servicing the Western Isles of Scotland are hopeful that a huge increase in fares next year will be abandoned, after a meeting with the Scottish transport minister.
The businesses, which are campaigning under the name the Outer Hebrides Commerce Group (OHCG), say the effect of a 50% increase earlier this year is already destroying the islands’ economies and a similar rise in April 2013 will be “disastrous” for freight operators (CM 14 June).
MSP Keith Brown met the OHCG this week and, according to the group, has agreed to produce a study that will “accurately relect the beneit of reduced ferry fares”.
OHCG chairman Calum Campbell says: “We are pleased that Mr Brown signed up to a proper examination of the beneits of reduced ferry fares. The six-month study will determine exactly how island businesses and families beneited from cheaper ferry travel.” Local haulier David Wood of Woody’s Express says: “We’d hope that in January next year the minister will be able to conclude that he must halt the 50% increase due to be implemented next April. We also welcome his commitment to simplify the discriminatory ferry fares structures for commercial trafic. We were pleased to hear he wants all hauliers to beneit from a new pricing regime.”