MP calls for Operation Filter for Forth Road Bridge

2.45.56pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 14th May 2008

A vehicle filtering system like Operation Stack for the Channel ferries is being recommended for the Forth Road Bridge by West Fife's MP.

Willie Rennie wants the system in place for the roads leading to the Forth Road Bridge to avoid the chaos that ensues during high winds. In recent months police checkpoints have been set up to turn lorries around that attempt to cross the bridge in high winds. This has resulted in massive multi-mile long tailbacks and misery for commuters.

The aim of Operation Filter would be to filter all lorries and high sided vehicles away from the Forth Road Bridge and onto alternative routes during high winds. It will include a special radio station to transmit advice to road users, smart signage which allows variable messaging on all tributary routes to the bridge, a media strategy to quickly warn drivers via radio stations, increased capacity and more parking bays for lorries and a 24 hour emergency monitoring centre to implement Operation Filter at a moments notice.

Willie Rennie said:

"Traffic chaos during high winds causes my constituents a lot of grief. Operation Filter is a scheme that the police are keen to introduce and I am determined to see implemented.

"There will always be some level of disruption, we have come to accept that, until the new bridge is built with its modern wind shields. However, Operation Filter will go a long way to minimise the wait during high winds.

"I have written to Stewart Stevenson, the Transport Minister, to ask his department to prioritise the implementation of Operation Filter."