Security hired to stop Forth Road Bridge ‘selfies’

Adverts have been placed for guards to patrol each side of the bridge round the clock while construction work takes place.

Roads firm Amey, who are responsible for maintenance of the bridge, were prompted to advertise the Pounds 175-a-day roles after a number of cyclists and pedestrians attempted to get on to the bridge to take ‘selfies’.

The bridge was completely closed on Friday after a crack was found in a steel truss in the structure and it is not expected to reopen until the new year.

The closure of the bridge which links Edinburgh and Fife has led to 70,000 drivers a day being forced to take a 35-mile detour.

The advert for the security roles has been placed on job sites by recruitment firm Hays.

It reads: ‘Due to the closure of the Forth Road Bridge, 12 security guards are required to prevent drivers attempting to cross the bridge.

Shifts are either 6am-6pm or 6pm-6am.

‘Three guards are needed per side, per shift. You can either work the Edinburgh side or the Fife side.

‘Work to continue until the bridge re-opens - which is planned for January but may be delayed.’

Scotland’s transport minister has said the decision to close the bridge was taken ‘within minutes’ of ministers being told of the fault, Scotland’s transport minister said yesterday.

Derek Mackay said the Scottish government acted quickly to ensure safety was not compromised and to make sure the structural problem did not become any worse.

An Amey spokeswoman confirmed they hoped to have security guards in place “as soon as possible” at the bridge.