Different time zone for Scotland?

By Gregg Adams

Double British Summer Time is a proposal being considered by coalition ministers – the move is designed to bring Britain into line with the continent – as well as boosting British tourism.

Liberal Democrat MP, Adrian Sanders who represents the Devon holiday resort of Torbay, has won cross-party backing for a three-year trial. The MP has said that if the Scottish Government did not like the new system, Holyrood should be allowed to opt out.

However this would leave Scotland one hour behind the rest of the UK, sparking confusion for banks and other cross-border trade. It is believed that the idea is winning political favour following heavy lobbying from environmental groups, tourism officials and road safety campaigners

”Highlands and Islands”

But any such change would spark safety fears north of the Border with darker mornings throughout much of the winter, forcing children to go to school before daylight and leaving commuting drivers facing additional danger on the roads.

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil said he would be tabling a Commons parliamentary question to find out what is being considered.

Mr MacNeil said: “While the move would obviously be attractive for those in the south, in Scotland the majority would prefer the extra hour of daylight in the morning. Darker mornings would increase the volume of traffic on the school run, which, in turn, would have adverse effects on children’s safety, the environment and congestion.” The MP added that he would be interested to find out the Lib Dems’ view on such a change would be given the impact on their constituencies throughout the Highlands and Islands.

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