BBC News | UK | Road toll ruling expected

A court is expected to rule against the UK Government over a move which would raise the cost of tolls on bridges and roads across the UK.

The European Court of Justice will announce its verdict on Tuesday morning.

It is widely predicted that the judges will agree with an earlier recommendation by the court's Advocate General.

Such a finding would force the UK Government to bring in VAT on road tolls now - and pay six years of unpaid back taxes and interest on those taxes.

Professor Robert Black
Professor Black: "Very great doubt"
The European Commission took the UK Government to the European Court of Justice for not applying VAT to road tolls.

If the government loses the case, tolls would increase by 17.5%.

The EC has told the European Court that the UK Government has not fulfilled its obligation under European Union law.

The Scottish Executive faces an immediate problem if the court rules against the government.

It has pledged to freeze tolls on the Skye Bridge, which have been staunchly opposed by islanders, for the duration of the contract.

But the effect of the judgement could force the price of the Skye crossing to increase by almost �1 for a single car journey - which currently stands at �4.70 in winter and �5.70 in the summer.

It will also cost around �100 for a holiday coach operator to get on and off the island.

The RAC says it could mean the difference between survival or extinction for rural communities.


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