Controversial proposals to introduce park and ride charges at Ferrytoll and Halbeath look set to be scrapped following a deal between Fife Council and Stagecoach. 

It's emerged today (Friday) that Fife Council’s Asset Committee will consider a private, commercially sensitive paper on reducing or nullifying the proposed £1 Park and Ride charge next week. 

Stagecoach East Scotland (SES) made an approach after they highlighted their concerns over the proposed charges. 

At Fife Council’s budget meeting in February, it was decided that £1 daily parking charges would be brought in to help cover future running costs.

It was then given approval by South West Fife and Cowdenbeath Area Committees in April.

It was met with discontent from politicians across all parties and locals who sent in their objections by the droves. 

However, they were set a side in June and the council has since been progressing with Traffic Regulation Orders since. 

Derek Crowe, Roads and Transportation Senior Manager, said: "At an initial meeting we reaffirmed the need for the Council to recover the approved level of income to help cover the running costs of these facilities. SES indicated a willingness to work with us and explore alternative options to parking charges. We were able to develop a draft proposed agreement which will be put before councillors next week." 

MP Douglas Chapman welcomed the news. He said: “I hope that councillors consider this agreement and reach a positive conclusion which would see the charge removed even before it was introduced.

"Clearly any proposed deal between the council and the bus operator is between them and is commercially sensitive, however any move to nullify these charges while allowing Fife Council to maintain a position of balancing its budget is a win-win for all concerned and, I am sure, will be welcomed by my constituents in Dunfermline and West Fife.”