Published: 05th March 2008 | Author: ALASTAIR DALTON
SPEED cameras are to be deployed on the Forth Road Bridge during roadworks and could become a permanent feature to cut crashes and congestion.
A reduction in the crossing's speed limit from 50mph to 40mph may also be considered.
Average-speed cameras, which measure vehicle speeds over set distances, will be used to enforce a 30mph restriction during work starting in 2009 or 2010.
But Tony Martin, the leader of the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (Feta), which runs the bridge, said such equipment should be kept to improve traffic flow by keeping speeds down.
He said lorry speeds appeared to have increased since the abolition of tolls two weeks ago because drivers no longer had to stop before crossing.
Average-speed cameras have dramatically reduced speeding and crashes on the A77 in Ayrshire and at several roadworks sites across Scotland. But some drivers' groups opposed permanent installations on the bridge and called for its 50mph speed limit to be increased instead.
Average-speed cameras, which measure vehicle speeds over set distances, will be used to enforce a 30mph restriction during work starting in 2009 or 2010.
But Tony Martin, the leader of the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (Feta), which runs the bridge, said such equipment should be kept to improve traffic flow by keeping speeds down.
He said lorry speeds appeared to have increased since the abolition of tolls two weeks ago because drivers no longer had to stop before crossing.
Average-speed cameras have dramatically reduced speeding and crashes on the A77 in Ayrshire and at several roadworks sites across Scotland. But some drivers' groups opposed permanent installations on the bridge and called for its 50mph speed limit to be increased instead.