Drivers were able to cross the Forth and Tay road bridges free of charge from midnight last night as all tolls were abolished after more than 40 years.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "For the first time in more than 40 years, travellers driving across the Forth and Tay Bridges can travel free of charge, and I am absolutely delighted.

"Today is an historic day for Scotland, signalling the end of years of injustice for the communities of Fife, Tayside and the Lothians.

"When we came into power, this Scottish Government promised to end tolls. Today we have delivered on that commitment with the first primary legislation to be passed by this new administration."


Bridge tolls have been in force on both bridges since they were built: the Forth in 1964, the Tay in 1966. Until midnight it cost £1 to cross the Forth and 80p to cross the Tay.

The Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Act 2008 is the first primary legislation of the new Government. It was passed overwhelmingly by the Scottish Parliament on December 20, 2007.

It is standard practice for there to be a two month period between Royal Assent and an Act coming into force. However, Scottish Ministers put in place an accelerated process to fast track abolishing tolls.

The Forth Estuary Transport Authority and the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board remain responsible for the management and operation of the bridges. Funding for day to day running costs and long term capital works will be provided by direct grants from the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government has also provided a one-off grant of £14.8m to allow the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board to repay all of its outstanding loans at January 31.

(GK/JM)