News that plans for a controversial change to how football supporters’ buses operate in Scotland have been scrapped has been called "pleasing" by a local MSP.

The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain announced the planned guidelines for what supporters’ buses can do on match days.

This included where they could stop, when they must arrive at a stadium and drivers having to check whether passengers were carrying alcohol or pyrotechnics.

The proposals were widely criticised, and they have now been halted.

'Unworkable and unnecessary'

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has welcomed the news , calling the plans "unworkable" and "unnecessary".

He said: “Everyone could see that the proposals were completely unworkable and I am pleased to hear that common sense has prevailed and the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain have decided to scrap them.

“As a regular attender at football matches, I believe it’s always right to look at how we can improve the safety of football fans inside and outside of stadiums and, win or lose, make going to a game a good experience for families.

“However, those organising buses to games are generally volunteers and unnecessary rules would have put people off for fear that action could ultimately be taken against them.

“It was also not clear how they would have been monitored.

“In future, instead of treating football fans as criminals, maybe people like the Traffic Commissioner could consider getting fans themselves to consider how any perceived issues should be addressed not present a list of Big Brother rules.”

A statement from the Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain read: “As the Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, I think it is important to stress that the traffic commissioners are safety regulators and that we are independent of Government.

“Any guidance that is issued is intended to assist bus and coach operators.

“However, before I can issue any guidance, I am required to consult, including with the UK and Scottish Governments. But we also consider the views of a wide range of other stakeholders.

“I have listened to the strength of feeling expressed and it is clear to me that there is further work required to understand the full impact of the introduction of any proposed guidance in Scotland.

“As a result, I have asked my officials to cease this consultation exercise.”