Tuesday, July 13, 1999 Published at 15:32 GMT 16:32 UK
Labour traffic plans 'highway robbery'
Road congestion must be tackled, the government says
Business leaders say they are "thoroughly opposed" to a proposal to levy workplace parking charges in Scotland.
The measures are contained in a discussion document published by Transport Minister Sarah Boyack on different ways to tackle Scotland's increasing traffic congestion.
But the paper has been attacked by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce which says workplace parking charges would force employers to act as tax collectors.
And the Scottish National Party described plans for road tolls as a "crude revenue raiser wrapped up in a green package".
The Conservatives also dismissed the paper, saying it was "institutionalised highway robbery".
"Charging is but a means to an end. We are not advocating charging motorists for the sake of it," she said.
"Road user charging and workplace parking levies have their place in a balanced tool-kit of transport measures."
She said "selective use" of road charging would lead to reduced congestion, improved air quality, easier travel and new cash sources to pay for public transport.
"Indeed, if you bring in that charge, what you would effectively be doing is using the employers as a tax collector and probably having to pay for the tax themselves."
He added: "We'd be prepared to consider a toll to see the M74 completed, in other words a strategic route for Scottish business which would mean it could get its goods and services to the market quickly.
The SNP's Shadow Transport Spokeswoman Linda Fabiani MSP said: "Labour's proposals to impose a Toll Tax on Scottish trunk roads and motorways are wrong and damaging.
"This is not being done for environmental reasons - but as a money-spinner by Labour who are now having to fill the financial black hole left after their 'penny bribe' at the last election. Tolling, for example the M8, would force traffic onto other more minor roads."
"For this is nothing short of highway robbery. They are being licensed to point a pistol at drivers and command them to stand and deliver!"
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