After the storm: Counting the cost of Ciara as snow arrives.

Drivers face major disruption and 26-mile detour after eight vehicles damaged

Motorists in Fife are facing major disruption following the closure of the Queensferry Crossing after eight vehicles were damaged by falling blocks of ice and snow.

Amey, which operates the Forth Bridges on behalf of Transport Scotland, confirmed last night the route is expected to remain closed throughout this morning’s peak traffic time.

Ongoing works on the Forth Road Bridge mean drivers will be forced to endure a 26-mile diversion via the A985 on to the Kincardine Bridge and then southbound on to the M9.

The southbound carriageway was closed at around 5.30pm, with the northbound route being shut around three hours later.

Amey confirmed eight vehicles suffered damage as a result of falling debris but said no injuries had been reported.

A spokesman said: “We’ve now observed falls of snow and ice on to the northbound carriageway, so the bridge will remain closed in both directions until visual inspections can be carried out tomorrow to confirm it is safe to reopen.”

Amey account director Mark Arndt said: “We appreciate this closure will create disruption for drivers, however we are asking drivers to use an alternative mode or route for their safety due to the continued weather conditions.”

Prior to the opening of the bridge in 2017, Transport Scotland officials said they were “optimistic” wind-shielding fitted to the structure meant it would never need to close.

But the Scottish Government said last year it would fit ice sensors to the bridge after three car windscreens were smashed by falling ice and snow.

Scottish Conservative Lothian MSP Miles Briggs pledged to raise the issue with the transport secretary when Parliament returns.

He said: “The build up of ice and the risk to motorists using the bridge is a hazard that should have been considered before the bridge was opened to traffic. We are now seeing the consequences of this with bridge closures.

“It is just lucky that we have seen a mild winter to date, however it is vital we see a long-term solution to the problem developed.

“In other countries, such as Canada, they have encountered the same problem as the Queensferry Crossing and they have been able to find solutions.

“Solid blocks of ice falling on motorists’ cars is hugely dangerous and all necessary steps must be taken to ensure the safety of motorists using the Queensferry Crossing.”

Amey confirmed it had observers in place prior to the closure as a result of new operating procedures introduced after the incidents last year. A spokesman said the route will reopen “as soon as we are confident it is safe to do so”.

A number of other routes across the area were also blocked due to fallen trees and flooding .

Elsewhere in Fife, Maitland Street in Tayport was closed so that emergency teams could work to make the Gregory Hall safe after part of the roof blew off at the weekend.

Meanwhile the UK Government has activated an emergency financial aid package for areas devastated by Storm Ciara, after a motorist was killed by a falling tree and forecasters warned of “hazardous” weather ahead.

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “I have activated the emergency Bellwin scheme to support communities affected by Storm Ciara in West Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire.”

Under the Bellwin scheme, local authorities dealing with the effects of the storm can apply to have some of their costs reimbursed by the government.

Storm Ciara swept across the country on Sunday and left thousands without power, while homes were evacuated, buildings were damaged and sporting fixtures postponed. The Bellwin announcement comes after Hampshire Police said a motorist was killed as he drove his Mercedes on the A33 from Winchester to Micheldever and a tree toppled on to his car just before 4pm on Sunday.

The driver, a 58-year-old man, of Micheldever, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hampshire Police said his next of kin had been informed.

Flights, ferries and trains all faced disruption as the UK struggled to recover from Sunday’s storm.

Heavy snow started to fall in some regions and forecasters were warning of the possibility of lightning in the heaviest snow showers.

Picture: Kenny Smith. The Queensferry Crossing, closed yesterday after falling blocks of ice and snow damaged vehicles, will not be reopened until visual inspections are carried out later today.

Picture: Gareth Jennings. Rescue services on Riverside Drive during the storm.

Pictures: Steve MacDougall/ PA. Above: Snow falls on the South Inch in Perth; right: Waves crash on to rocks at Sennen Cove, near Land’s End, Cornwall.