Bridge wind barriers considered

A lorry was blown over on the Forth Road Bridge in January

A working group has recommended that barriers be installed on the Forth Road Bridge to stop lorries blowing over.

The group was set up by the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (Feta), which manages the bridge, after several incidents during high winds.

CCTV images of drivers who persistently cross when HGVs are banned could also be released to try to catch them.

Two incidents have caused traffic chaos since toll barriers, which prevented lorries crossing, were removed.

The wind barriers would be placed around the two main towers of the bridge, where gusts are at their strongest.

Full wind shielding along the length of the structure has been ruled out.

The working party brings together Transport Scotland, police forces and councils.

Ultimate responsibility for the safety of a vehicle must lie with the driver Barry Colford Bridgemaster

It made recommendations to improve message signs around the bridge, particularly on the M9 spur and A90.

Feta is talking to the procurator fiscal's office about whether drivers who ignore the advisory signs can be prosecuted.

While authorities are able to charge drivers whose vehicles blow over because they have ignored the warnings, it is hoped that power can be extended to drivers who do make it across.

Barry Colford, Feta chief engineer and bridgemaster, said: "There are no easy answers to this problem but we are determined to do what can be done to minimise the risk of serious incidents occurring and to mitigate the impact when restrictions have to be imposed.

"It's a matter of managing risk. The safety of bridge users comes first but a balance has to be struck with the strategic requirement to keep the traffic flowing. Ultimate responsibility for the safety of a vehicle must lie with the driver.

"Over the years there have been very few serious incidents caused by strong winds and there is no doubt that our existing procedures have prevented many more incidents occurring. For this reason the working group is not recommending changing the wind speed at which we divert vehicles.

"However, this working group has generated a number of significant recommendations and if these can be taken forward I am confident that we will be doing everything we can."