ISLAND hauliers are predicting the SNP will pay a heavy price in council elections for withdrawing its cheap ferry fare scheme from commercial vehicles.
The SNP is the first political party to field candidates in every council ward from the Butt of Lewis in the north to Vateresay in the south. It is serious about trying to take control of this hitherto independent authority.
But many believe it could pay an electoral price for the handling of its flagship Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) cheap ferry fare scheme, which this month meant 50% fare increases for many commercial vehicles.
Stornoway-based haulier David Wood was a founding member of the Outer Hebrides Transport Group which fought the changes and said a recent demonstration in Stornoway showed the strength of feeling.
He said: "By massively increasing our ferry fares the SNP have broken election promises, and have betrayed their constituents. There is not a family or business in the Western Isles who will not have to pay for their flawed and ruinous household and haulage tax. Even their most ardent supporters are embarrassed."
Before the publication of the Scottish Government's draft ferries plans before Christmas, RET was a vote winner.
A pilot scheme, which ran from October 2008 till August 2010 when it was extended till the end of March this year, saw savings of up to 50% on the routes to Lewis, Harris, North Uist, South Uist and Barra.
The SNP's Kenny Macleod, candidate in the Lewis ward of Westside and Ness, said: "It really isn't a big issue over here on the west side. There are concerns but, I think it is recognised the concessions that have been won. Our biggest challenge really is to overturn the tradition of the Western Isles Council independent. Some voters are totally opposed to the introduction of party politics into local elections. Our biggest fight is to change that mindset."
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