Bridge speed cameras to be turned on

AVERAGE speed cameras are set to go live on one of Scotland’s most congested crossings.

From tomorrow, drivers crossing the Forth Road Bridge will have to stick to the 40mph limit – or risk a fine.

Earlier this year, the limit for cars on the bridge was reduced from 50mph amid fears drivers would be distracted by work on the Queensferry Crossing. The new cameras will remain until the end of 2016 when the new bridge is set to be completed.

They are located on the north-bound road from south of the bridge to the Admiralty junction, with extra cameras to be put in place south-bound later this year.

Transport chiefs say they are already ‘impressed’ with the 40mph compliance, which adds less than a minute to the travel time across the bridge.

Steven Brown, Transport Scotland roads and infrastructure manager, said: ‘We have waited for as long as possible before introducing the safety cameras to the A90, now significant operations are under way within close proximity to live traffic.

‘The safety of our workforce and the travelling public is of paramount importance.’

When the speed limit was first reduced, David Climie of the Forth Replacement Crossing project team described how intrigued drivers were slowing to stare at the construction of the new bridge.

He said: ‘ There’s no doubt that there’s been a lot of distraction there so it makes sense to have the 40mph average speed limit to control the traffic flow.’