Pressure to move forward with Tay bridge park and ride proposals.

Fears over emissions and future access prompt discussion

Calls have increased for progress on plans for a park and ride facility at the Tay Road Bridge.

Little has happened since proposals for more than 350 car parking spaces on the Fife side of the bridge and better access to public transport were approved a decade ago.

Those in favour of the idea say it has the potential to provide a regional transport hub, serving the needs of Dundee and north-east Fife, while also cutting carbon emissions.

Fife Lib Dem councillors Jonny Tepp and Tim Brett have been championing the project and have asked for an update from council officers.

In Dundee, SNP councillors Lynne Short and Mark Flynn have agreed it is now time to look at it again.

Mr Brett said: “This facility has planning permission and could provide for a parking area of between 350 and 450 spaces where vehicles could be left if people were visiting Dundee. I have asked the convener of Fife’s economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation committee (Altany Craik) if he would bring proposals to a future meeting of his committee, setting out the current position.”

Mr Tepp said: “Given the continuing and heightened concerns about carbon emissions... and the likelihood of Dundee low emissions zones in future, we should make the park and ride a high priority.”

Mr Flynn said he had raised the topic with Robin Presswood, Dundee City Council’s executive director of development, and added: “My understanding is that Tactran (the regional transport partnership for the area) see the park and ride as a key part of the regional transport strategy.”

Ms Short said circumstances had changed since the project stalled and that she was “very much still a champion” of the facility.

The park and ride project has the support of Transport Scotland and Fife Council, as well as Tactran and the South East Scotland Transport Partnership.

Mr Craik said the park and ride project group would meet this week.

“We will work closely with local members to make sure everyone is aware of progress and can contribute to finding a workable solution,” he said.

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Plans to improve access to Dundee from across the water are being looked at.

Councillor Jonny Tepp.