Tolls were scrapped from midnight on Sunday allowing drivers to enter the Kingdom without having to pay.

And although channelling the Forth Bridge traffic through two lanes while the booths are removed has seen some minor congestion, mainly from traffic at the Echline roundabout, Councillor Tony Martin, convener of the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) is sure the problems will be short-lived.

He said: "This is the beginning of an exciting new era for the Forth Road Bridge and we are determined to make a success of it.

"Thirty-three of our employees will now be moving on to new opportunities and we wish them well.

''Those of us who remain are very positive about the future and looking forward to getting on with the job of maintaining the bridge.

"I'd like to thank drivers for their patience during the recent work to remove the tollbooths. It may take a few days for everyone to get used to the new road layout, and there could still be queues on the A904 in the short term.

''However, we're confident that traffic flows will improve significantly when the full scheme is complete."

Just before the historic changeover, traffic was briefly held back while bridge staff moved cones to divert traffic away from the tollbooths and onto a new unrestricted two-lane carriageway leading straight through the toll plaza onto the bridge.

The first motorist to cross without paying a charge was presented with a bottle of champagne by Councillor Martin.

And on Monday afternoon from 4 p.m. Fife's SNP councillors and party members welcomed home the very first "toll free" commuters coming back to Fife with a bridge walk and champagne.

• To read the full story pick up your copy of the Fife Free Press- now on sale first thing every Thursday morning.