Forth Road Bridge speed cameras in operation

Enforcement of the new 40mph speed limit around the Forth Road Bridge is to begin. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Safety cameras went live yesterday on the southbound carriageway of the A90 over a five-mile stretch from the Admiralty turn-off on the Fife side to the junction for the M9 spur near South Queensferry.

Cameras have been operating on the northbound carriageway over the same stretch since mid-September last year.

The speed limit has been cut from 50mph to 40mph as a temporary safety measure during the construction work for approach roads to the new Queensferry Crossing.

Transport Scotland said work was taking place immediately next to the carriageway on both sides of the A90 and both north and south of the  bridge.

The reduced speed limit is designed to improve safety both for the construction workers operating so close to moving traffic and the motorists.

Transport Scotland said the 40mph limit was also being applied on the 2.5km bridge because to revert to 50mph for such a short stretch could affect traffic flow and potentially cause accidents.

The cameras – five northbound and six southbound – will remain in operation until the end of the project in December. Signs have been installed on the approach and throughout the roadworks, advising drivers of the speed restrictions. Motorists exceeding the 40mph limit can be issued with a fixed penalty notice carrying a minimum fine of £100 and three penalty points on their licence.

If the speed is considered “grossly excessive” police may report a driver to the procurator fiscal and on conviction in court, a maximum fine of £1000 can be imposed along with up to six penalty points.

Steven Brown, Transport Scotland roads and infrastructure manager, said: “When switching on the northbound cameras last year we indicated that southbound average speed cameras would be installed for use when required.

“With the progress being made on the A90 road upgrade and the shifting focus of the work, operations are now within close proximity to live traffic travelling in both directions on the A90.

“This means it is now time to switch the average speed camera system on and enforce the reduction of the speed limit to 40mph both northbound and southbound in the area.

“The safety of our workforce and the travelling public is of paramount importance and the cameras will encourage a safe and steady flow of traffic through the works area.”

He said experience of major road upgrades had shown safety cameras were a reliable way to improve safety for both road users and construction workers.

“We’ve been impressed with the levels of compliance with the 40mph speed limit since it was introduced on the A90 northbound in September.”

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