First foot passenger fare on Corran Ferry delayed

Plans to introduce the first foot passenger fare on the Corran Ferry have been delayed after a group of councillors pushed for a full council debate.

The five minute, Highland Council-run crossing links the wider Lochaber area with communities in the Ardnamurchan peninsula.

The local authority's economy and infrastructure committee agreed to a £2 charge at a meeting on Thursday.

But the group has used a notice of amendment to pause implementation of the fare after raising concerns about how it might affect businesses and residents.

Highland Council said a special meeting would be held later this month.

Andrew Baxter, Liberal Democrat councillor for Fort William and Ardnamurchan, led calls for a debate at a meeting of the full council.

The charge for the crossing of Loch Linnhe's Corran Narrows was expected to come into effect in the summer.

Under the plan approved last week, the fare would only apply to passengers aged 23 to 60 years old.

It would include cyclists, although there would be no extra charge for the bicycle.

The alternative journey by road around Loch Linnhe takes about two hours.

Highland Council confirmed it had received a notice of amendment and a special meeting would be held on 12 June.

The local authority describes the Corran Ferry as Europe's busiest single-vessel car ferry.

It carries about 10,000 foot passengers, 270,000 cars and 11,000 commercial vehicles a year.

Highland Council said a £2 charge could generate £20,516 a year.

Councillors agreed to a 10% increase on vehicle fares in March, but left a decision on foot passengers to the economy and infrastructure committee.