SCOTTISH LABOUR is calling for free bus travel to be protected by law for people aged over 60.

The party's transport spokesman Colin Smyth is to put forward legislative amendments when Holyrood returns from recess.

If adopted, they would see the right for all over-60s to a free bus pass written into law, with the qualifying age put into legislation for increased protection.

Smyth said: "Sadly, the scheme is now under threat with SNP ministers refusing the rule out increasing the age citizens can qualify for a pass in a bid to try and save money.

"Ordinary people in their 60s should not be paying the price of Tory austerity because the SNP refuse to use the powers of the parliament to fund our services properly."

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: "We are already committed to providing free bus travel for older and disabled people and everyone who has a bus pass will keep it.

"We analysed nearly 3,000 responses received to our recent public consultation on possible changes to the scheme and are considering what respondents have said."