Bridge staff get body-worn cameras after abuse

The bridge has reopened to traffic with significant restrictions

Body-worn cameras have been issued to council workers who have been verbally abused while enforcing traffic restrictions on a bridge in southern Scotland.

Kirkcudbright Bridge was shut on 21 March after it was deemed unsafe during a routine inspection, effectively splitting the town in two.

It reopened last month with traffic restricted to one lane - controlled by lights - and with a three-tonne weight limit.

However, a report to councillors said "regrettably and unacceptably" staff at the bridge had been verbally abused and body-worn cameras had now been issued.

The bridge was shut in March on safety grounds

The bridge was shut for more than three months earlier this year after an inspection raised safety concerns.

The decision cut off one housing estate from the rest of the town and created a five-mile (8km) detour for drivers.

It reopened last month but under restrictions to prevent larger vehicles attempting to use it.

A report to go before councillors said: "Regrettably and unacceptably, colleagues staffing the temporary traffic signals have been subjected to verbal abuse.

"Bodycams have been deployed for operational staff working on the bridge and Police Scotland have been notified of incidents of verbal abuse.

"Furthermore, the council has been made aware of blatant non-compliance with the prohibitions by a small minority of drivers and we are working closely with Police Scotland to follow up on any contraventions where evidence is available."

The council is also looking at introducing CCTV and number plate recognition equipment to deal with anyone breaking the restrictions.

Council officers are still finalising costs for a new bridge and any timescales associated with it.

However, it is likely to take years before a replacement can be built.