Compensation plea for hauliers hit by Forth Bridge closure
HIGHLAND haulage companies should receive compensation from the Scottish Government due to the continued closure of the Forth Road Bridge to HGVs, according to regional MSP David Stewart.
He is pressing Holyrood to offer financial assistance to firms which have experienced problems as a result of the closure of the vital link.
The bridge re-opened to cars last month but remains closed to HGVs, which is adding increased drivers’ hours and journey times.
Caithness haulage firm D Steven and Son has been among the hauliers hit by the closure.
Mr Stewart called for compensation to haulage firms at the topical questions session on Tuesday.
“While I praise the workers who have carried out the most recent repairs on the bridge in the most appalling conditions, I feel the Scottish Government must look at giving haulage companies some form of compensation for the delays, disruptions and extra costs each firm has suffered,” said Mr Stewart.
“Although the bridge opened earlier than expected to ordinary vehicles, HGVs still have six weeks of disruption to go and perhaps more if the works are hit by bad weather.”
