FIFERS are being “let down” by constant delays and restrictions on the Queensferry Crossing.

That’s the view of Tory MSP Dean Lockhart after new figures released by Transport Scotland showed there were lane restrictions in place on the bridge for 121 days last year.

There have already been 57 days of restrictions in the first half of 2019, which means motorists are suffering from hold-ups one day out of every three.

Delays have been caused by accidents, breakdowns, roadworks and the removal of hazardous items and have prompted claims of “mismanagement” of the project by the Tories.

Mr Lockhart, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife, said: “These figures provide proof that since it opened, drivers using the Queensferry Crossing have been consistently hampered by delays and restrictions.

“The crossing is a vital link for my constituents in Fife, and the least that residents living in the Kingdom could have expected is that it would help them get to their work on time, but this has simply not been the case.

“The SNP’s haste and mismanagement when it comes to this project is to blame, and they have let down people across Fife. It is now for them to explain to my constituents when they think that these issues will be resolved.”

The bridge opened in August 2017 with finishing works still ongoing nearly two years since the first car crossed.

Roadworks have increased in recent weeks, as reported in last week’s Press, as contractors try to complete jobs in the warmer months. The worst month for hold-ups was May 2018 when 26 days were affected by lane restrictions. April of this year saw 14 days of restrictions.

The duration varied from four minutes to 17 days and there could be more than one restriction at a time.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “Nearly 80,000 vehicles use the Queensferry Crossing each day, and since opening, there have been over 20 occasions when it has remained open when the Forth Road Bridge would have been closed or restricted for HGVs.

“The new crossing is delivering clear economic benefits for both industry and commuters, a fact recognised by the road haulage industry.

“As is standard on any major trunk road carrying this level of daily traffic, there has been a wide variety of reasons for lane restrictions since 2018 – including accidents, breakdowns, roadworks and the removal of hazardous items.

“In order to minimise disruption for the travelling public the vast majority of lane restrictions for maintenance works are outside of peak times. Our contractor, FCBC, is progressing snagging and finishing works, which are scheduled for completion later this year.”