THE Forth Road Bridge could get windbreaks to tackle the problem of lorry drivers ignoring warnings not to cross.
A feasibility study is to be carried out into installing the shields on a small section of the 42-year-old bridge.
It comes after drivers have faced delays of up to two hours on approach roads during strong winds, as police deal with high-sided v
ehicles attempting to cross. Bridge operator FETA has been powerless to stop lorry drivers ignoring the warnings since the bridge tollbooths were demolished.
Engineers had previously ruled out such a measure on the whole bridge, but it is thought it will be possible on the section near the two main towers.
The last two lorries blown over on the bridge were felled at this point and it is hoped the shields, which are commonplace on more modern bridges such as the second Severn Crossing, will help address this.
The moves were welcomed today by road and haulier groups. Phil Flanders, the Road Haulage Association's director for Scotland, said: "This seems to be a sensible move and will go someway to addressing the problem, though it is worth noting that the vast majority of our members do obey the warnings and don't cross during high winds.
"There is a knock-on effect for all motorists when a high-sided vehicle is blown over, but for hauliers you are looking at a 40-mile diversion and it can cause real problems.
"It is good to see this committee coming forward with some good, pragmatic ideas."
Another idea being considered by FETA is for new variable messaging signs to be installed on the M9 Spur and A90.
Neil Greig, head of policy in Scotland for the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "It is certainly an interesting one and anything that can help to reduce the number of closures has to be welcomed.
"It was always the case that the old bridge could not have these wind shields – which work really well on more modern bridges – retro-fitted.
"If it is the case that we can now get these fitted in some way, then I think it will help on the borderline days when it is touch or go as to whether the bridge has to close because of the wind.
"What we still need, however, is more enforcement on the ground in terms of getting the message across to lorry drivers so they are not taking the risk and crossing the bridge when the wind is strong."
The "high-winds" action group set-up to tackle the problem has also recommended transferring powers to allow FETA officers to stop and divert traffic during high winds, instead of the police.
It also suggested introducing a mandatory 30mph speed limit on the approaches to the bridge during high winds, using CCTV for a name and shame campaign set up for repeat offenders, and establishing an emergency update radio station for the Forth area.
A FETA spokesman said: "It is very early days but there is the recommendation to look into the feasibility of installing wind shields at the main towers.
"We know it is not feasible to install the shields along the whole span of the bridge, but it may be possible for more localised barriers."
The full article contains 554 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
