‘Gridlock of steel’ by St Andrews students

Madam, – Today I watched from my window as car after car came down the narrow St Gregory’s Lane to park on the cliffs at Kirkhill in St Andrews.

A procession of single students then emerged with their books and bags heading for the faculties.

Some were the usual dog-walkers and “chancers” looking for free parking but most were students as this only happens with the start of a new academic year.

Thus a line of steel stretched for more than 200 yards past the iconic view of the castle and Castle Sands.

There’s no natural turning point at Kirkhill so anyone exiting will either be blocked in or forced into complex reversing moves, churning up the grass verges as they go, hoping no-one will notice.

Once gone, out of sight out of mind.

Never mind the car alarms detonated by the sea breeze or the residents denied access to their homes, or the council warden unable to get to the sheltered flats, or the emergency services unable to gain access, or the sheer lunacy of one of Scotland’s most iconic views being despoiled.

When I was a student in the 70s virtually no-one had a car but today’s student comes with the latest model.

I wonder if a gridlock of steel was what the principal of St Andrews University had in mind when she talks of green and sustainable development for Scotland’s oldest university.

Tell me anywhere in St Andrews which is not accessible by foot, bus, or bike?

Chris Main.

5 Kirkhill,

St Andrews.