Frustration has been building for motorists travelling across the new Queensferry Crossing with figures revealing that the average speed during rush hour is less than 25mph.
The figures were revealed in a Freedom of Information Request submitted by the Scottish Conservatives.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Liz Smith, has received a stream of emails from frustrated motorists angry that using the new bridge is often slower than the old route.
As the figures show, over the Queensferry Crossing (Junction 1a-1b on the M90) motorists can expect to enjoy an average speed of 24mph during the morning rush hour, and 21mph during the evening rush hour.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith said:
“When the bridge was opened last year, the Transport Minister promised that congestion was just a by-product of initial public interest but here we are a year later and it is as bad as ever.
“We were also assured that the new bridge would help reduce congestion for commuters but clearly this was based on incorrect modelling.
“Constituents travelling into Edinburgh from Fife and Kinross are growing frustrated by the crawling speeds and this is undoubtedly impacting economic growth in the region.
“People in Fife are experiencing the short end of the wedge when it comes to travel links with neither road or rail providing a suitable commuting option.
“Ultimately, we need the Transport Minister to be put forward measures to improve rush hour speeds as this is clearly not good enough.”