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Scotland's van drivers could benefit from a new route across the Forth River, according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), but only if it is a bridge.

Last week, the Scottish Cabinet revealed that it would be building a new alternative route across the river, taking roughly ten years and £1 billion to construct, but ministers admitted they are as yet unsure of exactly what form this transport link will take.

The FTA welcomed the Cabinet's announcement, but warned against this route taking the form of a tunnel, as it claims that only another bridge would be capable of supporting all of the commercial vehicles that pass over the river.

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Head of policy for Scotland Gavin Scott explained: "Whilst a tunnel may be superficially an attractive option, there are problems for the freight industry that mitigate against this.

"Most tunnels of any length impose severe restrictions on the carriage of hazardous cargos. Some are banned, some must be escorted or have separation and speed limits applied."

Mr Scott also pointed out that the geology near the existing Forth Bridge would not be suitable for the construction of a tunnel, meaning that the new route would then have to be moved several miles away, making it extremely inconvenient to use.

He claimed that, by contrast, a bridge would be able to effectively support all forms of commercial transport, possess room for a build shoulder to be incorporated and include modern designs that would reduce maintenance requirements.

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