Reader TTS

British drivers could be hit with a new levy as roads at a popular tourist destination are said to be struggling under the weight of visitor numbers. Locals have levelled accusations at

motorhome tourists for littering and causing congestion on the roads. The Scottish Highlands have seen a surge in popularity among holidaymakers in recent years, particularly since the

creation of the North Coast 500 in 2015, which has been dubbed "Scotland's Route 66". The influx of visitors has been significant, with the local council reporting a 65%

increase in tourism since 2012, and close to 36,000 campervans were recorded touring the region in 2022 alone. As per a report by the Telegraph, there are calls from Labour and SNP

politicians for a tourist tax to be imposed on campervan drivers navigating through the Scottish Highlands. Proposals include the installation of cameras to monitor number plates and ensure

the collection of the tax, reports The Express. This comes despite the fact that the North Coast 500 is estimated to contribute £22 million annually to the local economy. A study by Glasgow

Caledonian University also indicates that the route has been instrumental in creating approximately 200 jobs in the vicinity. Labour MSP candidate for Inverness and Nairn, Shaun Fraser,

commented: "Initiatives such as the North Coast 500 have transformed the dynamics of Highland tourism, with a huge rise in campervans using rural single-track highland roads. Our roads

cannot cope with this. It is a mixed blessing." "Highland communities and local services must benefit from tourism. I support a fair and well-designed visitor levy and sensible

measures to manage the impact of campervans. I would be open to looking at options attached to campervans, including number plate recognition to charge visiting campervans using highland

roads. I think that this should be considered." Last year, the Highway Council introduced a voluntary scheme which asked visitors to pay £40 for parking in certain areas, providing them

with access to shower facilities. However, despite an initial target of £500,000, the scheme is only projected to generate £20,000 in its first year as many tourists have opted not to pay.

Emma Roddick, from the SNP, suggested that campervan drivers should contribute towards the "preservation and maintenance of the areas they enjoy so much". She proposed that they

should be included in a broader tax being considered by the council. The Highlands Council is contemplating a 5% levy on overnight accommodation which could potentially raise £10m per annum.

This would be extended to include campervans. However, local business groups are against the tax proposal, fearing it could deter visitors and put the area at a disadvantage.