A key element of the Forth Replacement Crossing development is due to go live next week.

Transport Scotland has revealed the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) will launch on the M90 in Fife from Tuesday 4 December.

This will create a dedicated bus lane and variable speed limits which, during periods of congestion, can be used to smooth traffic flow, cut jams and make journey times more reliable.

The new system features 17 new gantries, while traffic sensors built into the road can automatically detect when congestion is likely.

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The 'intelligent' system can then vary the mandatory speed limit to help keep drivers moving.

It is the first occasion of such a system being used in Scotland.

Similar "managed motorways" have been successfully implemented in England, on the M25 and M42 for example.

Steven Brown, Roads and Infrastructure Manager for the FRC Employers Delivery Team, said: "We are now almost ready to turn the ITS systems on to help manage and improve traffic flow and provide buses with a dedicated lane.

"Safety is of paramount importance and the system requires no specialist knowledge or skills. But we would ask drivers to take a few minutes to watch the specially produced video on the website or pick up a leaflet at local libraries and petrol stations to familiarise themselves with the new system.

"The main element of the Forth Replacement Crossing project – the new bridge itself – is still under construction and this system will help traffic management that will still be required before it opens in 2016. We thank drivers for their continued patience."

(IT)