Tractors will be permitted on crossing

In a victory for farmers, tractors will be allowed on the new Queensferry Crossing.

NFU Scotland has received confirmation that agricultural vehicles have access to the £1.35 billion bridge for the time being.

Longer term, the union wants to secure an agreement which would see agricultural vehicles allowed to use the Forth Bridge when it reopens as a public transport corridor.

Chairman of NFU Scotland’s legal and technical committee Jamie Smart, who also operates the union’s agricultural vehicles helpline, said: “Both sides of the Forth are very productive farmland and transport of goods and machinery are important to keep these agricultural businesses moving at this busy time of year.

“Members in the area were concerned about access arrangements to the new Queensferry Crossing now that it has opened.

“Upon contacting the authorities, some farmers had been instructed that they could only use the Kincardine or Clackmannan bridges. That was incorrect.”

He said following a request from NFUS, they received confirmation that, in the short term, agricultural vehicles can use the new bridge as it has an A class road status.

“Longer term, once the Queensferry Crossing achieves motorway status, NFUS is looking for agricultural vehicles to have access to the Forth Road Bridge,” he added.

“Discussions are ongoing, but the union is seeking access to the Forth Road Bridge without the need for cumbersome bureaucracy.”