AUTOMATED barriers can now quickly divert traffic from the Queensferry Crossing but drivers who ignore the red 'X' signs are in danger of slowing down the whole process.

And bridge bosses have warned those who don't comply with the overhead gantry signs that they're risking a £100 fine and three penalty points.

Trials of the new barriers were carried out in November and a number of motorists didn't heed the messages to stop to allow the barriers to be put in place, leading to further delays.

Dunfermline Press: Drivers ignoring the gantry signs will cause delays when traffic needs to be diverted from the Queensferry Crossing, say bridge bosses.Drivers ignoring the gantry signs will cause delays when traffic needs to be diverted from the Queensferry Crossing, say bridge bosses. (Image: Google Maps)

Chris Tracey, Bear Scotland’s south east unit bridges manager, said: “Crucially, it is now faster to redirect M90 traffic onto the Forth Road Bridge than it is to divert via the Kincardine Bridge, so this will be the default process from now on if the Queensferry Crossing has to close for any reason.

“There are limits to how quickly the diversion can be opened, as traffic management must still be put in place to close slip roads at Queensferry and Ferrytoll and traffic already on the Queensferry Crossing must be given time to clear the bridge, however our aim is to speed up the overall process as much as possible and we learned a lot from this trial that will help us to do this.

“One of the biggest areas for improvement was in the time it took for traffic to comply with red ‘X’ signs on the overhead gantries.

"These instructions to stop are mandatory and we’ll provide any assistance we can to help Police Scotland enforce them.”

READ MORE: More Queensferry Crossing works for automated barrier project

The trials were carried out on both sides of the Forth and when bridge workers were preparing to move the barriers into place, a red ‘X’ sign was shown across all lanes on the motorway signs, directing users to stop until the movement of the barriers was complete.

Only when all vehicles had stopped were the automated barriers moved.

Bear Scotland said that, while traffic on the south approach to the bridge generally stopped when the signs were shown, those on the north approach "unfortunately were not so quick to comply".

Dunfermline Press: Traffic Scotland said control room operators often see drivers ignoring red 'X' signs and have now launched a new campaign. Traffic Scotland said control room operators often see drivers ignoring red 'X' signs and have now launched a new campaign. (Image: Traffic Scotland)

This lengthened the time it took before traffic could switch onto the Forth Road Bridge, further delaying road users on the M90.

A red X above your lane means the lane is closed and you need to safely exit the lane as soon as you can.

Traffic Scotland have now launched a new campaign, urging motorists to quickly comply with the gantry signs.

A spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, our control room operators often witness drivers on CCTV ignoring the red 'X' signal and continuing to drive in the closed lane until they reach the incident.

"This not only puts the driver at risk - it also puts road workers, emergency services and anyone involved in the incident at risk too."