HAULIERS warned that the Forth Road Bridge must be re-opened to lorries no later than mid-February amid fears spiralling costs are eating into the capital reserves transport operators are legally required to hold.

Brian Kenny, regional director for Scotland at the Road Haulage Association, said some of its members had expressed concern that the additional expense for wages, fuel and maintenance associated with the 60-mile detour around the bridge could leave them exposed if asked to provide evidence of financial standing.

All transport operators, including hauliers and bus firms, are required to have a certain amount set aside in cash or assets to cover the cost of running the business.

Failure to meet minimum financial standing can result in an operator being stripped of its licence by the Traffic Commissioner.

Mr Kenny said: "Some of our members have expressed major concerns that reserves have been depleted quite rapidly.

"So there is a little bit of concern there because if authorities call them in, as they can do at any time now, to prove how much they have in assets in order to maintain and operate their fleet, that some of them might not be able to show that at this time because the Forth Road Bridge closure has eaten into their reserve capital.

"Some of them are reporting £8000-12,000 a week into extra expenses per week, mainly through wages, fuel and the extra maintenance for tyres."

The bridge was closed to all traffic from December 4 after engineers discovered a crack in the steelwork. Following initial repairs, it was re-opened to vehicles - with the exception of HGVs - days before Christmas.

Chris MacRae, head of policy in Scotland for the Freight Transport Association, said the added staff, fuel and maintenance bill associated with detours around the FRB was continuing to cost its members £2000-4000 per day.

He added: "The Scottish Government are working to a publicly stated date of middle of February to re-open to bridge and allow HGVs up to 7.5 tonnes to use it again, and it's very important to us that that date happens and is stuck to."

Transport Minister Derek Mackay told the Scottish Parliament earlier this week that there were no plans to compensate haulage firms for losses, adding that "dialogue continues and the priority has to be to get the Forth road bridge reopened to all traffic".

It comes days after a temporary relaxation in EU drivers' hours rules ended at midnight on January 6. Hauliers are seeking an extension from the European Commission while the FRB remains closed to lorries.

A decision is expected early next week.