By Craig Smith

DOZENS OF Fife businesses could be driven out of the region if a decision on a new Forth crossing is not taken soon.

That was the stark warning from members of the Road Haulage Association in Scotland yesterday, who have urged ministers to make a firm commitment on the issue before the continuing delay has a devastating effect on the region’s economy.

Engineers studying cable corrosion on the Forth Road Bridge have suggested the crossing will have to close to heavy goods vehicles by 2013 in order to prolong the structure’s life.

But many forward-thinking firms in Fife fear that the lack of action on a new crossing now could cause them major logistical problems in the future, with some even considering relocation south of the river.

Jim McLay, vice-chairman for the RHA in Scotland and Northern Ireland, estimated that Fife firms having to use the Kincardine Bridge would face extra bills of around £70 per journey, notwithstanding the effect it could have on drivers’ working patterns.

“There are a lot of industries in Fife that don’t actually realise that the Forth Road Bridge is a concern—all it takes is it to close because of high winds and that has an effect,” he explained.

“It is not so much of an issue right now because the bridge is still operating but it takes time to build a new bridge. Although they’ve said the bridge will be closed to heavy goods vehicles in 2013, I think it could be less than that and we have to consider what to do next.

“Nobody in Fife has said that they are definitely moving because we’re all living in hope that we can get a decision and get on with our lives.

“But it has crossed members’ minds about long-term planning and we need an answer on a new Forth bridge or a replacement crossing now.”

Mr McLay, who is also director of Glenrothes firm Glenhire Express, suggested that other industries such as tourism would similarly feel the pinch.

“It would be a big disaster for Fife as it’s not just the haulage sector—there’s a lot of other people who would suffer,” he said.

“People will not want to invest in premises here if this is going to drag on and on.”

And Phil Flanders, RHA Scottish director, revealed that many firms outwith Fife would also be affected, pointing to Glasgow-based businesses which use the bridge up to 100 times a day due to the nature of their work.

He said, “There’s no panic at the moment but the rumblings are there. We need a decision so businesses can put in place temporary arrangements.

“The closure of the bridge is going to have a devastating effect in Fife and it’s going to make things even more uncompetitive— would you go and set up in Fife knowing what’s going to happen?

“Most trucks do a reasonable distance anyway but if the bridge closes it will add a huge cost and add time which hauliers can ill afford.

“Even if I was using Kincardine, it’s still going to take twice as long and I think a lot of members would have to look at if it’s easier to set up on the other side of the Forth.

“Hauliers are probably the most adaptive to new ways of working but every time they get it right there are new barriers put in their way.”

The RHA’s call to ministers echoes that of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) last month, when central and west Fife chairman David Chalmers warned of “catastrophic” damage to the Fife economy if many firms were forced to quit the region.

Any decision on a second crossing might not be made until after next May’s Scottish elections, although the Fife Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise urged ministers against that course of action last month.