Camper van toll plan flagged for North Coast 500 as MP states need for investment in roads
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VISITORS in camper vans lured by the delights of the North Coast 500 could contribute to the costs of the crumbling road network through a toll scheme, a Ross-shire MP has suggested.
Jamie Stone, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, has written to Scottish Government transport minister Michael Matheson to suggest a toll scheme for "non-local vehicles" travelling the NC500, which cuts a swathe through a huge section of the county.
Mr Stone said:“The NC500 has been a brilliant boost to the Far North, benefitting locals hotels and businesses. However, for the NC500 to reach its full potential we need to see increased investment into the roads.
“I have previously asked the Scottish Government to increase investment in the NC500 and I have now written to the transport minister asking him to consider a tolling scheme for non-local large vehicles like campervans.
“This would in no way impact local vehicles but could bring in money which would be earmarked for the maintenance of roads, lay-bys, signs and even toilets.
“A scheme like this would take time and care to implement properly but we must see support from the Scottish Government to ensure the NC500 reaches its full potential.”
The NC500 has been credited with bringing millions of pounds of extra spending in to the Highlands and has achieved a global profile. Growing concerns though have been flagged about the impact of extra vehicles on the road network with calls for investment in bringing it up to scratch to cope with the increased traffic.
Highland Council already has a significant backlog of repairs on its enormous network.
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