Police launch investigation after lorry blown over on Forth Road Bridge, causing traffic chaos.

WARNING: HGV driver ‘ignored’ signs

Police have launched an investigation after a lorry driver brought commuting chaos to central Scotland.

Motorists endured miserable journeys after a lorry was blown over on the Forth Road Bridge.

One of the country’s busiest transport corridors was once again brought to a standstill, despite signs warning HGV drivers to stay away from the crossing because of high winds.

The incident prompted a full closure of the bridge, with tailbacks of up to 10 miles reported as motorists attempted to make their way across the Forth.

Bridge operator Amey pointed the finger of blame firmly at the driver of the lorry, with a spokesperson stating: “An articulated lorry ignored signs warning that the bridge was closed to high-sided vehicles and was blown over on the northbound carriageway.”

The incident happened at around 2.45pm as the lorry attempted to cross northbound into Fife.

With the region having been battered by high winds throughout the day, a gust caught the lorry, flipping its trailer onto its side.

Initially just the northbound stretch of the bridge was closed as engineers assessed the situation.

Fearful the strong winds could flip the trailer onto the southbound carriage- way, the decision was taken to close the crossing to all traffic through the evening rush hour.

The move meant drivers making their way across the Forth were once again diverted via the Kincardine and Clackmannanshire Bridges.

Given claims that warning signs preventing HGVs from crossing the bridge were in place, police have since confirmed a full investigation has been launched into the incident, though at the time of going to press no charges had been brought against anybody.

It is the second time this year the bridge has been closed because of an accident involving an HGV.

In January, the bridge was closed for the best part of a day after a lorry was blown onto the central reservation.

Engineers had to repair a 40 metre stretch of steelwork, with the bridge closed for almost 24 hours.

Picture: Mhairi Edwards.

Pictures: Mhairi Edwards. Queuing rush-hour traffic is diverted to alternative crossings after the Forth Road Bridge was closed in both directions following an incident in which a southbound lorry overturned in high winds.