MINISTERS last night made a concession to island hauliers fighting to retain reduced ferry fares by confirming small commercial vehicles would now still qualify for the lower prices.
Today in Edinburgh, Transport Minister Keith Brown will meet a delegation from the Outer Isles Transport Group (OHTG), which is campaigning against the withdrawal of Road Equivalent Tariff, which charges based on the equivalent journey by road, from commercial vehicles.
They claim they are facing fare increases of up to 175%, which would have a devastating impact on the island economy.
However, Western Isles SNP MSP Alasdair Allan said Mr Brown had agreed small commercial vehicles up to six metres in length would still be eligible for RET fares from spring 2012.
He said: "This is a welcome sign, I hope, that the minister is listening to the concerns of people on the islands about the changes to fares for larger commercial vehicles too."
But Gail Robertson, of the transport group, said any bookings being placed for commercial vehicles after the end of March include massive price increases.
Mr Brown said: "Evidence from the pilot which started in October 2008 has shown the scheme to have had a positive impact on local economies, boosting the local tourist trade."
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