THE CHIEF engineer of the Forth Road Bridge has welcomed a ban for a reckless driver who risked “horrendous consequences” by driving a van over the bridge in 90mph winds.

Bridgemaster Barry Colford condemned the dangerous actions of David Stanley, a delivery driver from London, and is hopeful that the punishment will be a warning to others who might try to illegally risk the bridge in treacherous winds.

Stanley (63) was driving back to England on 5th December last year with passenger Steven Fitzsimmons when he attempted to cross the bridge, which was closed to high-sided vehicles because of the severe winds.

CCTV footage showed the van swaying back and forth wildly as it was battered by the gusts, putting the lives of other bridge users in serious danger.

After Stanley and Fitzsimmons abandoned the van, the bridge closed because of the strength of the wind and it was almost two hours before workers could get to the van to remove it.

At Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Monday Stanley was found guilty of dangerous driving and failing to comply with road signs that instructed him that the bridge was closed.

He was disqualified from driving for a year as well as being sentenced to 100 hours of community service. In addition, he was told he must re-sit an extended driving test if he ever wants to get behind the wheel again.

Mr Colford welcomed the punishment for the dangerous driving.

“This incident could have had horrendous consequences to other motorists and potentially to people living below the bridge,” he said.

“I am pleased to see action has been taken against the driver and hopefully this will discourage others from disobeying the signs advising not to cross Forth Road Bridge in high sided vehicles during high winds.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbhOUl9ppy4