Bridge tolls scrapped

Back in 2008, the Scottish Parliament, under its SNP government, took the decision to scrap tolls on Scotland’s major road bridges through the Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Act.

At the time, charges on crossings like the Forth Road Bridge and the Tay Bridge were a daily reality for thousands of commuters. For many, it was an unavoidable extra cost simply to get to work, university or travel between communities.

The removal of those tolls brought that to an end, making all publicly operated road bridges in Scotland free to use.

In the years since, the impact has been clear. For commuters, it has meant one less financial pressure in their day-to-day lives. For families, it has made travel more affordable and straightforward. For local economies, particularly in areas like Fife and the Lothians, it has helped improve connectivity and support business activity.

Removing tolls has also played a role in making Scotland a more accessible place to live and work. By taking away a cost barrier on key routes, it has made it easier for people to move between regions, access opportunities, and contribute to local economies.

There was also a wider principle behind the decision: the SNP believed that access to essential infrastructure should not depend on the ability to pay. Scrapping bridge tolls helped address that imbalance and ensured that key routes serve the public as they should, open and available to all.

Years on, it remains a good example of how a clear, practical decision can deliver lasting benefits. It is supporting commuters, strengthening local economies, and making everyday life that bit easier for people across Scotland.