FTA urges Scottish govt to reconsider ferry charges for lorries

Date: 8/2/2012

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has called for the Scottish government to extend fare savings to lorries using certain ferry services.

In 2008, it introduced a scheme in the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree that means commercial vehicles using ferry services in the area pay fares equivalent to the cost of travelling the same distance by road.

However, from April lorries will not be included, although other types of motors - including commercial vehicles of up to six meters - will.

Head of policy for the FTA in Scotland Christopher MacRae said: "While Scottish government's move is welcome news to some commercial vehicle operators, it still doesn't go far enough."

Earlier this month, the FTA revealed 59 per cent of logistics operators have signed up to the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme, which aims to help firms reduce their carbon emissions.

This means those operating in the sector are on track to meet their greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Posted by Mary Treen