RHA welcomes measures to alleviate Forth Road Bridge misery
Although deeply disappointed at the news that the Forth Road Bridge is to remain closed to HGVs until February 2016, the Road Haulage Association (@RHANews) welcomes the proposals arising from a meeting today with the Minister for Infrastructure, Keith Brown.
“Today’s meeting had several positive outcomes”, said RHA director, business unit north, Martin Reid. “In particular, we welcome the move by Transport Scotland (@transcotland) to set up a hauliers hotline. This will enable drivers and their managers to have direct access to Transport Scotland to alert them to any incidents occurring on the temporary replacement trunk road network so that they can be quickly resolved.
“It is crucial that the interests of road hauliers are recognised, particularly while the essential bridge maintenance work is being undertaken. It is also vital for the Scottish economy that delivery routes run as freely as possible, particularly at a time when hauliers are faced with additional costs due to the diversions in place. Our members are looking at all possible routing options in order to deliver their goods as efficiently, as quickly and of course as cost effectively as possible. We welcome the support of the Scottish Government and will be working closely with the Minister to help hauliers achieve this.
The RHA also stressed the importance of an extension to the current relaxation of EU drivers’ hours regulations (due to expire on 6 January), to allow continued flexibility for the industry. The Minister agreed to immediately address this particular issue with the UK Government and European Commission.
Concluding, Martin Reid said: “Our priority is to keep HGV traffic moving as efficiently as possible and the plan that we have agreed should help do this. We will be in regular dialogue with Transport Scotland and the Minister and will meet again to review progress in mid-January.”
Additional measures to ensure smooth running on the diversionary routes include implementation of extra TRISS patrols in place along the diversion route.
Instructing the trunk road operating companies to provide additional support to the A985 / M9 HGV diversion route through enhanced inspected regimes and quicker maintenance response capability.
Asking all relevant local authorities wherever possible to keep their key roads clear of non-essential roadworks during this period.
