DOUGLAS Chapman, the MP for Crossgates, Hill of Beath and Moss-side, has urged local motorists to use the Queensferry Crossing instead of 'illegally driving' over the Forth Road Bridge, which is now a dedicated public transport corridor to be used exclusively by buses, taxis and motorcycles.

It is reported that around 100 car drivers a day are breaking the law by driving across the Forth Road Bridge, which has prompted calls for a crackdown on the practice.

Dunfermline and west Fife MP Douglas Chapman said: "It's frustrating that some commuters are choosing to illegally drive over the Forth Road Bridge instead of our new £1.35bn state of the art Queensferry Crossing.

"Some drivers may be driving over unaware of the new set up and Transport Scotland are taking every opportunity to remind commuters that the Forth Road Bridge is now exclusively a public transport corridor and that it is an offence to use it for other purposes.

"I'm sure Transport Scotland, alongside other authorities including Police Scotland, will be keeping an eye on the situation and if the law continues to be broken then action will be taken to deter drivers from using the Forth Road Bridge."

He added: "The public transport corridor was opened up to put 'Fife in the Fast Lane' so public transport was given a priority, making journeys quicker and more reliable. This needs to be protected."

On Friday Police reported keeping an eye on the usage of the Forth Bridge and had spoken to a number of drivers who had mistakenly used the old bridge.