Scottish Government asks Freight Association to report on disruption following bridge closure

Following today’s announcement that the Forth Road Bridge will be closed until the New Year, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) is asking its members to report delays and problems with drivers’ hours.
The FTA says the closure could cause major disruption to deliveriesThe FTA says the closure could cause major disruption to deliveries
The FTA says the closure could cause major disruption to deliveries

The Scottish Government has asked FTA to gather information from members so it can monitor the disruption caused and decide whether to apply to the Department for Transport (DfT) for a variation in drivers’ hours regulations.

Chris MacRae, FTA’s head of policy for Scotland, said: “This has come at the busiest time of year for freight operators and will cause serious issues in terms of delivery times and drivers’ hours over the Christmas period.

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“We would urge Transport Scotland to ensure that any planned roadworks on the alternative routes are postponed and that HGV-suitable diversions - including those for petrochemicals - are explored to minimise disruption as much as possible.”

More than 70,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day. Using the Kincardine Bridge adds around 40 miles to a journey, which will prevent some drivers completing their deliveries in one shift.