Transport bosses yesterday warned that removing tolls on the Forth Bridge would lead to traffic disruption and cost around 40 people their jobs.

The Forth Estuary Transport Authority (Feta) also spoke of their "frustration" that the charges are being lifted so soon after a £5m project to upgrade the part of the bridge where the tollbooths are located.

The Scottish Parliament unanimously backed the executive's plans to scrap the tolls on the Forth and Tay bridges at the end of May.

Alastair Andrew, the Forth bridgemaster, has submitted a report to Feta setting out the work that will be required to meet the executive's deadline of having the tolls removed by the end of the year.

Tony Martin, the Feta convener, said: "There's naturally some frustration that we're preparing to dismantle the toll plaza so soon after upgrading it. However, I have greatly admired the professionalism and pragmatism that Feta staff have shown in responding to this change in Scottish Executive policy, particularly when so many jobs are under threat as a result."

Although executive ministers have sought to play down the level of job losses which will result from the scrapping of the tolls, Feta sources estimate that around 40 of their 100-strong workforce could go. Mr Martin also warned drivers to expect delays when the work to remove the tollbooths takes place.

John Swinney, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, insisted the decision would end the "injustice" suffered by those living in Fife and Tayside.