POLICE are ready to crackdown on any drivers ignoring one-way diversion when repairs return to a busy bridge near Galashiels.

Last year two motorists were charged with ignoring the temporary road regulations while Galafoot Bridge was partially closed.

And a further six were given cautions.

A second phase of repairs is due to begin on the A6091 bridge, which links Galashiels with Tweedbank, Melrose and the Borders General Hospital, on Monday, February 4.

During the scheduled 12-week single-lane closure a one-way diversion will be in place around Abbotsford on the B6360.

Traffic light controls on Lowood Bridge will also be altered to ease congestion for traffic travelling from Galashiels.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "During the last repairs carried out at Galafoot Bridge, a small number of motorists decided to ignore the diversions and closures.

"This is not only inconsiderate but extremely dangerous.

"During this second phase of repairs, the police will be taking a zero-tolerance approach and any driver caught committing offences will be charged and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Repairs and strengthening to the bridge were originally scheduled to last only ten weeks last year.

But after almost three months of work and disruption, highways firm Amey announced it would have to come back in 2019 to finish the job.

The second phase of work, which will see the eastbound carriageway repaired, is due to run from the start of February until the end of April.

Amey's bridges manager Stuart Wallace said: "Lessons have been learned from Phase 1 and there will be an increased workforce during this phase.

"However, there will be times when concrete repair works are hardening that the site may not appear manned.

"We intend to use signage to keep road users informed of progress.

I want to thank road users and the local community for their continued patience as these essential repairs are completed.

"We have consulted with local stakeholders, including Scottish Borders Council, community councils and the emergency services and wherever possible we have integrated their feedback into the planning of Phase 2.

"We apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause, but by undertaking this work now we will prevent further deterioration of the bridge, which may require a more costly and much lengthier closure in the future.”