Councils suffer costs over bridge closure: MSP

Call for compensation over road repairs

Councils have been stung by the Scottish Government’s failures over the Forth Road Bridge, says a Labour MSP.

Transport Secretary Derek Mackay refused to budge yesterday on compensating local authorities, who have had to fork out on road repairs because of the closure.

He admitted the “general wear and tear” of roads used as diversions would have accelerated during the closure of the crossing to HGVs between December 4 and February 20.

But he told MSPs it was up to councils to fix their roads – even if they were damaged by traffic diverted away from the bridge.

Labour MSP Mark Griffin said: “Councils are going to have to pick up the costs for this because of the failures of this Government. That is not acceptable.”

Fife’s roads took a hammering during the suspension bridge closure, as cars and lorries avoided jams by weaving through local streets.

Mr Mackay said efforts were made to keep the diversions on trunk roads, which are the responsibility of Transport Scotland.

But he added: “The maintenance and management of local roads is the responsibility of local authorities and the Scottish Government greatly appreciates their efforts during the closure period.”

Fife Council is totting up the amount it has spent on repairs because of the closure with a view to billing the Government.

Pat Callaghan, the council’s transport spokesman, maintains faith they will be recompensed.

He said: “Once we have a detailed final assessment then we’ll talk to Transport Scotland at that time.”