Transport body talks
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The Scottish Office has given regional councils in Scotland until 12 March to discuss whether up to six regional transport bodies independent of power from Edinburgh will be set up as a part of a devolved Scotland.
As outlined in a recent Scottish Office consultation paper, the Government suggests that one possible benefit would be councils "influencing better the future plans of those involved in transport such as Railtrack and ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne''.
Cameron Kemp, Highland and Islands Council's transport spokesman, says he will be discussing the proposals as part of the council's roads and transport strategy group meeting on 24 February. "It is unclear at this stage what strength of authority these bodies would have," he says.
*The Parliamentary Ombudsman has been asked by Charles Kennedy, MP for Ross, Skye and Inverness West, to investigate whether the Scottish Office failed to follow proper procedure over the implementation of tolls on the Skye Bridge.