Calls to reopen Forth Road Bridge to vehicles in a bid to ease Queensferry Crossing delays

Queues of traffic backing up north of the new Queensferry Crossing (Andrew Cawley / DC Thomson)

TRANSPORT chiefs are being urged to temporarily re-open the Forth Road Bridge to end the traffic chaos dogging its replacement.

The Queensferry Crossing has faced severe traffic problems since it opened with tailbacks of up to six miles on both sides of the Forth.

Yesterday thousands of Aberdeen fans heading south for a match in Edinburgh got caught in the tailbacks which saw some drivers travel less than three miles in an hour.

Transport Scotland has put the congestion down to people making “novelty” trips over the new £1.35 billion bridge and drivers getting used to new road layouts.

(Video by Mike Berry / Magic Moments)

But Edinburgh Western MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton says a new plan is needed as the Forth Road Bridge, which is currently undergoing repairs as well as work on approach links so it can be used by buses and taxis, is not due to reopen until October.

The Lib Dem MSP, who spoke to The Sunday Post from a traffic jam just south of the Queensferry Crossing, said: “We all knew and accepted there was going to be an element of tourist traffic when the bridge opened but what we are seeing is surely beyond that.

“I think the time has come to consider opening up the Forth Road Bridge, even partially with a contra flow, to try and relieve some of these problems.”