From December the bridge staff have been using an impact protection vehicle (IPV) to assist with breakdowns.

The use of the IPV minimises the need for any closure of the bridge as it is a highly visible blocking vehicle which warns drivers of an obstruction and protects any stranded vehicle until specialist third party recovery arrives.

Staff have been suggesting names for the new IPV and the Tay Road Bridge twitter account is hosting a poll for the public to vote on the shortlist which includes Peter Cushion, Laridah, Kim Karcusheon and Soteria.

https://twitter.com/tay_road_bridge/status/950377057443368964

Previously, an in-house team had undertaken vehicle recoveries using a Spectacle Lift Recovery Vehicle, which is now at the end of its useful life.

Bridge manager Alan Hutchison said: “This new Impact protection vehicle makes breakdowns on the bridge safer; it is a versatile vehicle that also gives us the opportunity to isolate obstructions and carry out carriageway inspections and repairs safely when the bridge is open.

“We’ve had to change the way we deal with breakdowns because vehicles are becoming more complicated, with large SUV 4x4 and electric vehicles now common and therefore in-house recovery is no longer practical for us.”