Forth Road Bridge traffic restrictions to be eased
Traffic restrictions put in place after the closure of the Forth Road Bridge are to be eased, Scottish Transport Minister Derek Mackay has announced.
A priority route for heavy goods vehicles and buses was introduced along the A985 in Fife after the discovery of a crack in the bridge last week.
Mr Mackay said the stretch of the road between Cairneyhill and Kincardine will be open to light goods vehicles such as vans from Monday, and all vehicles at weekends.
The restrictions are to be completely lifted on December 23 to coincide with the start of the holiday period.
The move was welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland, which campaigned for vans to be allowed to use the route.
Mr Mackay said: Clearly the closure of the bridge has had a significant impact, particularly on small and medium sized businesses, and we and our transport partners have been listening to business community views since the travel plan was implemented.
To address their feedback, from this Monday all commercial light goods vehicles will be allowed 24-hour a day access to the A985 priority route.
We have also responded to community needs, and so can confirm that all vehicles will have access to the priority route at weekends and outside peak periods on weekdays.
We also intend to lift restrictions on the priority route completely on the 23rd of this month to coincide with the start of the holiday period.
I believe this will provide assurances to those businesses and communities affected by the bridge closure that we are doing everything possible to ensure access to the local and national economy, allowing them as far as possible to go about their day-to-day business.''
FSB Scotland policy convener Andy Willox said: We're delighted that the Government has listened to the FSB and accepted the vital role our members play in keeping Scotland's economy moving.
By allowing vans and other light goods vehicles to use the priority route, more essential journeys can be completed is less time.
Tradesmen with deadlines to meet, wholesalers with shops to supply and couriers with customers' Christmas presents to deliver will be spending more time doing business and less time stuck in traffic.''