South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has welcomed the news that controversial plans to change how football supporters’ buses operate in Scotland have been scrapped.

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

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

Colin Smyth 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.”