Private complaint delaying RET

Transport Scotland say the roll out of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) remains top priority, but it is a complaint to Europe by a private business that is holding up delivery.

Last week, an opposition MSP claimed the Scottish Government was delaying the delivery of RET to the Northern Isles. But in a response to a question from the Press and Journal, the Scottish Government says it is still waiting on a judgment from Europe and until that is resolved there can be no roll out of savings to islanders.

Travel costs to Shetland will be reduced by up to 40% for passengers and 30% for private vehicles. The extent on savings is less certain for Orkney.

In 2017, transport minister Humza Yousaf announced RET would be introduced to the Northern Isles in the early part of 2018.

Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP raised the matter with transport minister Michael Mathieson MSP last week, but still believes the government is not taking the matter seriously enough.

Mr Halcro Johnston said: “Following the summer’s fiasco over the pledge to reduce ferry fares, with the inclusion of Orkney in the scheme still uncertain and the full pledge still not delivered to Shetland, travellers to and from our islands are being overlooked by the Scottish Government.” In response a Scottish Government spokesman said: “Reducing fares on ferry services on the Northern Isles ferry network remains a top priority and we will continue to pursue all avenues to deliver.

“But given thgat a State Aid complaint has been made to the European Commission by a private business regarding the introduction of RET on local services we need to await the outcome of that process.”