The SNP has described the bridge tolls as unfair

The Scottish National Party made ending tolls a pledge at May's election.

It is understood the project will cost up to �16m per year to implement plus a similar amount to pay off the existing debt on the Tay Bridge.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said he wanted tolls removed as soon as practicable.

'Unfair' charges

Mr Stevenson said: "If passed, all road bridges in Scotland will be free thus ending years of injustice for the communities of Fife, Tayside and the Lothians.

"We believe that it is unfair and unacceptable that the two road bridges into and out of Fife are the only remaining toll bridges in Scotland

"The proposal of a bill has received support in parliament, and more importantly, from the general public.

"We hope to remove tolls at the earliest opportunity, subject to due parliamentary process."

The opposition parties have agreed to back the Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill on a number of conditions, including;

• the government demonstrating that it has plans to manage congestion
• ensuring that it can afford to fund maintenance and repairs

• and that it will provide support for toll collection staff who stand to lose their jobs

If the legislative process goes to plan then the crossings should become free early in the new year.

Charges for the Skye and Erskine Bridges have already been scrapped.