Accident fears as drivers ignore Forth Road Bridge warning

Brazen lorry drivers are putting lives at risk by ignoring high wind warnings at the Forth Road Bridge.

Despite winds reaching 100mph, The Sunday Post yesterday caught a large number of HGV drivers zooming on to the crossing, despite it being closed to high sided vehicles.

We watched in disbelief as lorries, vans and other high-sided vehicles all turned a blind eye to police and Traffic Scotland warnings.

In an hour we saw two dozen idiots venture on to the span, putting their lives, and the lives of other road users at risk.

The failure has prompted calls for greater police patrols of the bridge to prevent a dangerous free for all during future spells of bad weather.

Steve Cassidy, weather travel expert at the ESP Group, blasted: “HGV drivers ignoring these demands is a recipe for disaster.

“It’s just a matter of time until there’s a really serious incident. Turning a blind eye is just suicidal.”

We watched between 1 and 2pm yesterday when the bridge was open to cars only. Despite the restriction, more than 20 HGVs ventured on to the bridge.

The idiotic behaviour came just a day after a driver ignored warnings, and found his high sided van left teetering on the edge of the bridge. It took recovery personnel seven hours to remove.

Despite the warnings, police DO NOT patrol the bridge to prevent bigger vehicles crossing.

Last night, Alan Kennedy of Road Safety GB called for a physical presence to stop high-sided vehicles using the bridge.

He said: “Police or other bridge personnel in place to stop people breaking the rules might help.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “The Forth Road Bridge have security and CCTV in place and they will contact the police directly and action will be taken.

“It is drivers’ responsibility to obey any signs and warnings.”

Speaking on behalf of the Forth Road Bridge, Chris Waite said: “There are no barriers on the bridge but police do monitor the crossing traffic regularly.”