FIFE businesses are becoming "increasingly sceptical" about government updates on the Forth Road Bridge. 

Fife Chamber of Commerce expressed disappointment at today’s announcement by Transport Minister Derek Mackay that the bridge is not now scheduled to be fully opened to all traffic, including HGVs, until mid-March.

Chief executive Eric Byiers (pictured) said: “Our members were originally told that the Forth Road Bridge would be open to all traffic by the end of 2015, then it was mid-February, and now mid-March.

"Whilst we appreciate there have been some severe weather conditions and that health and safety of workers and road users is a priority, this is far from ideal.

"Understandably, businesses in Fife are becoming increasingly sceptical about announcements on the future timetable for getting the bridge back to full operation.

“The ‘trial opening’ of the Forth Road Bridge to HGVs overnight will be of very limited value for Fife businesses – and the additional costs to employers because of the diversion continue to mount up.

"One local employer has reported extra costs of around £5,000 per week. This level of costs will have an inevitable impact on their future plans.

"This further delay in opening the Forth Road Bridge to HGVs comes on the back of the Transport Minister ruling out compensation to businesses affected – a decision which will hopefully be revised given this latest delay.

“Fife Chamber also believes that a more flexible position should be adopted in terms of the type of vehicles being allowed to cross the Forth Road Bridge to help local businesses to cope with this unwelcome delay.”