Skye Bridge tolls not part of original permit
14 Oct 05
Document obtained through freedom of information does not mention right to charge tolls
The right to impose the toll charges that operated on Skye Bridge until last year was not part of the original permit granted to the company controlling the bridge.
The bridge, which was Scotland's first private finance initiative (PFI), opened in October 1995. Around 130 protesters have been convicted in court for refusing to pay the tolls, some going to prison for refusing to pay the fines. The bridge was bought back from the private company for £27 million by the Scottish Executive.
The permit, obtained under the freedom of information rules by campaigners still contesting the legal right of the private company to charge tolls, made no reference to tolls. The anti-toll campaigner Robbie the Pict wants all convictions for non-payment overturned.
A spokesperson from the Crown Office said the Skye Bridge toll had been challenged in court unsuccessfully several times, but that no new information had come to light and no action would be taken.