A FIFE MSP last night called for transport minister Stewart Stevenson to update Parliament on “important” developments with regard to the condition of the Forth Road Bridge, writes Steve Bargeton, political editor.

Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP John Park said he was pleased but surprised to learn that First Minister Alex Salmond was confident that the bridge would remain open to heavy goods vehicles until the new one was open.

The Forth Estuary Transport Authority has warned for years that the bridge will have to close to HGVs by 2013—three years before the new bridge would open—unless corrosion in the main cables can be stopped.

However, at a private meeting with Phil Flanders, Scottish director of the Road Haulage Association, Mr Salmond said it was likely that it could stay open to heavy vehicles for an extra three years.

Given the importance of this information to communities in Fife who would be affected if lorries had to make a 40-mile detour to use the Kincardine Bridge, Mr Park believes ministers should make a statement to MSPs.

He also pointed out that finance secretary John Swinney made no mention of the possibility of the bridge staying open to HGVs after 2013 when he announced plans for the new Forth crossing in December.

“I share the same concerns as the Road Haulage Association over the banning of HGVs from the bridge. It would be costly, precarious and bad for business,” said Mr Park.

“I an understand why the First Minister would want to reassure the RHA on this matter. If it is unlikely that HGVs are going to be banned, that’s great news.

“But I’m not convinced that it is appropriate for this type of information to find its way into the public domain second hand.

“That is why I have written to transport minister Stewart Stevenson today urging him to make a statement to parliament on the condition of the cables.

“Hundreds of HGVs trundling past their doors every day would equate to a living nightmare for Rosyth, the West Fife villages and Kincardine.

“The people in these communities need to now the full facts and it is the responsibility of the Scottish Government to make sure they do.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said, “Ministers have already made a statement to Parliament on the Forth crossing in which they made quite clear that there was still work being done by FETA, but that an absolute assurance could not be given at this time that the existing bridge can be saved.

“Ministers are hopeful that the work being done will mean there will be no need to restrict heavy goods traffic on the bridge. However, a final view must be dependent on the continuing work and studies being done by FETA.”