Information Bulletin
25 January 2005
Regional Transport Authority Fears 'Fully Justified'
New evidence vindicates Shetland's concerns about the proposed new Regional Transport Partnership, according to Councillor Jim Irvine, Chair of the Council's Infrastructure Committee.
The Council has consistently argued that the new Regional Authority proposed by the Scottish Executive would take decision-making powers away from Shetland. The SIC claims, too, that the voting system on the new body would mean that mainland interests would over-ride island concerns.
Speaking this week, Councillor Irvine drew attention to Highland Council's comments on the proposals, recently submitted to the Scottish Executive. Asked by the Executive if the new Authority would gain more functions as it develops, Highland Council says that it should. 'Functions with a strong regional transport influence should migrate to the Regional Transport Partnership', they say. Highland Council also suggest that 'there may also be a case for Roads Authority functions to come under the control of the RTP'.
Councillor Irvine says that even that's not the end of the story. 'They also say that - and I quote - "there will be a focus on the complete journey covering rail, ferry and bus travel. Functions associated with these modes of travel, along with concessionary fares, are likely to move across to the Regional Transport Partnership at that stage". This is exactly what we've been saying would happen'.
His colleagues are equally concerned. Councillor Gordon Mitchell, the Council's Transport Spokesperson, said: 'It's perfectly clear that Highland Council will dominate the new Partnership in every sense. The outcome will be that we shall gradually lose control over the services that matter to people in Shetland. Everyone knows that our services are among the best in Scotland. Our roads are well maintained and our ferry and bus services are far cheaper and more frequent than those in comparable areas. There will be pressure to "level down" our services until they compare with standards elsewhere. Does the Scottish Executive really think we'll sign up to that?'
Council Convener Sandy Cluness is of like mind. 'I've no doubt at all that this proposal, in its present form, threatens Shetland's interests. We have always been content to participate in the voluntary partnership, and we've achieved a lot already by that means. We'd like to continue to do that, rather than be forced into something that can only reduce local control and produce worse or more expensive services.'
Orkney Islands Council has rejected the SIC's suggestion that an Orkney and Shetland partnership be considered, but Councillor Irvine says he understands their reasons. 'They have much close links with Inverness and the Highlands. However, they've made it clear that they share many of our worries about centralisations and about the potential loss of local control'.
Councillors are very concerned that local MSP Tavish Scott is not yet persuaded of the need to amend the Executive's proposals. 'Tavish tells me that he's been give assurances that Shetland won't lose any powers', said Convener Sandy Cluness. 'Sadly, the faces just don't bear that out. The consultation document makes it absolutely clear that there's no scope to take away functions and responsibilities from Shetland, and now we know that Highland Council wants to see roads, buses and ferries controlled centrally.'
Councillor Irvine added, 'It's not too late to alter course. I hope that, in the light of Highland Council's submission, Tavish will now be persuaded that our concerns are fully justified, and that the Executive's proposals need to be revised to protect services in Shetland.