The average commuter travelling on the Forth Road Bridge has saved around £2000 since transport tolls were abolished in February 2008 by the Scottish Government, according to new figures. 

Over 20 million users each year cross the bridge and a typical daily commuter will will be saving £253 per year. 

Dunfermline MSP, Shirley-Anne said:“It is nine years this week since the Scottish Government scrapped the last of the transport tolls on the Forth and Tay Bridges – saving the average commuter around £2,000 each.

“In Scotland we enjoy no tolls on roads and bridges, free tuition fees, free prescriptions and lower water rates – while the Tories in Westminster prefer tax cuts for the rich and stealth taxes for everyone else.

“In 10 years of SNP Government there has been major investment in road projects worth a total of £8.6 billion – including the magnificent Queensferry Crossing, which will directly benefit commuters and businesses in Dunfermline and West Fife.

“This investment shows just how serious the Scottish Government is about governing for growth despite drastic cuts from Westminster to Scotland’s budget.”

 Scotland compares favourably to England and Wales where there are still 21 tolls imposed on their roads, bridges and tunnels. 

A single trip on the Severn Bridge costs as much as £6.70 and since February 2008, the average toll-paying commuter in England and Wales will have paid out just under £4k (£3,807.6).