§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport to whom the bridge master on the Skye bridge is accountable for decisions about whether or not to close the bridge in adverse weather conditions. [7239]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI have been asked to reply.
The bridge master is an employee of a private company—Skye Bridge Ltd.—which operates the tolled crossing and is responsible for maintenance and day-to-day operation of the bridge. By virtue of section 43(4) of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, the company has powers to close the bridge temporarily in circumstances which include adverse weather. The concession agreement between the company and the Secretary of State requires that the exercise by the company of these powers will be undertaken only after consultation with the police.