How To Refuse To Pay

With the overruling of Sheriff Fraser's decision (see news item) that the toll order was flawed the 'rules' of the game have dramatically changed.

When you arrive at the barrier, you state that you are unable to pay (that's UNABLE, not REFUSE). The toll staff will ask you to pull over to the wide load lane. Ask them to call the police before you do. Don't forget to ask the staff to come out and guide you back if there is traffic behind you. Of course, if you have trouble selecting reverse gear, you may have to ask them to push your car back otherwise you cannot move...! They may mention that you could be charged with obstruction, if they can scare/pressurise people into paying so much the better for them. As far as we know, no-one has been actually charged with this to date.

The police, understandably, have been getting rather 'peeved' with having to attend all the time and will take their time to get there (we come somewhere below going for a cup of tea!). The toll staff don't really care, as long as they have you out of their way, therefore you will have to get pushy - delays of 1.5 hours are not unknown.

After, say, 30 minutes wait, go up to the toll booth and tell the staff that if the police do not arrive soon, you will move your car back and block the barrier. This way, you are not actually causing an obstruction, but they will then phone the police back and tell them of your threat. This gives them a bit of a push to come and deal with you and works most times.

When the police arrive they will take your name and address (and that of any passengers), it is a good idea to have your documents (license, etc.) with you. They will then inform you that your details will be passed to the Procurator Fiscal. You can then ask them if you are being charged - they like that one, because they aren't actually charging you!

Now comes the rub. The bridge staff will STILL refuse to allow you through and you will STILL have your details passed to the Procurator Fiscal! In the past, the police would tell the Bridge staff to let you through - no longer. If you insist in staying there, you are in danger of then being charged with obstruction.

This means that once the Kylerhea ferry crossing has stopped for the season, passage off the island is therefor effectively blocked. While this route was not a viable alternative many people, on say trips to Inverness, have been using it rather than hand over cash at the booth. Not much of a choice really!

For this reason, SKAT have now being concentrating on pushing the case to European Courts rather than doing non-payment runs. However, if you wish to pay the toll in pennies (maybe losing count a few times, or dropping some!) then at least the people at the barrier will know that they don't get it all their own way!

Back to SKAT page or Skye Bridge main page

Copyright © Ray Shields, 1997.

Most recent revision, 13 March 1998