Police patrols following closure of Forth Road Bridge

People are urged to consider their travel plans across the East of Scotland, following the closure of the Forth Road Bridge on Friday 4 December.

Work is underway to repair the bridge following the discovery of defective steelwork and it will be closed until the New Year.

Police Scotland is supporting its partners in keeping diversionary routes open and running safely whilst the closure remains in place.

Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “Road Policing Officers are working closely with traffic management partners to monitor the road network in Fife, Forth Valley, Edinburgh and the Lothians, to ensure travel disruption is minimised whilst the essential repairs take place. They are on patrol on key routes to help clear any traffic incidents which do occur and keep people moving.

“I would urge all drivers to consider if your journey is necessary, and to consider other options like public transport. Please check the conditions before you set off and leave extra time if you must travel.

“The closure of the bridge does not affect our ability to respond to emergency calls, and officers will continue to answer 999 calls and carry out our daily tasks as normal.”

For more information on the closure of the bridge visit www.transportscotland.gov.uk

For the latest travel updates visit www.trafficscotland.org or follow @trafficscotland on Twitter.