Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Bridge safety ‘excels’
The bridge used infrared sensors to monitor the speed of traffic crossing the bridge for a 12-day period.
It came after community leaders raised fears that drivers were regularly breaking the 50mph speed limit.
However, the survey found that the average speed across the bridge was 49.5mph in both directions.
The highest speed recorded was in excess of 75mph but bridge chiefs said that 85% of drivers crossed the structure at speeds of 57mph or under.
Manager Alan Hutchison says he feels that the survey shows drivers are aware of their speed when crossing the bridge and that most stayed within the limits set.
He said that the use of the bridge by emergency vehicles was most likely to account for the higher speeds recorded.
Mr Hutchison told the Tele: “Police the protection of all bridge users.” After being presented with the findings, Inspector Raymond Cuthill — of Tayside’s road policing unit — told Mr Hutchison: “Police activity occurs throughout the full length of the bridge.
“Recent 24-hour monitoring of traffic speeds has confirmed that the majority of road users adhere to the posted speed li mits and drive responsibly.
“This is further supported by the observations of road policing officers who regularly patrol the bridge.
“The safety statistics in relation to the Tay Road Bridge are excellent, and the advice imparted by bridge staff, together with a proportionate police response, will continue to ensure the safety of all bridge users.”
Newport, Wormit and Forgan Community Council had previously expressed fears over speeding.
Secretary Kate Legg said today: “The police have gathered the figures and they aren’t concerned so, at the end of the day, this is something we just have to accept.
“The accident rate is very low and not of concern.”
BOSSES at the Tay Road Bridge have ruled out the introduction of measures to slow down traffic following a survey into vehicle speeds.