By Graeme Strachan

AFTER CYCLISTS were warned they will not be allowed access to the new £500,000 bike path at Dundee harbour without a special pass, over 100 regular cycle track users have already applied for special passes from Forth Ports.

Due to new international security legislation, cyclists will be turned away without a pass when the new cycle path under construction at Dundee harbour opens in August.

Those without passes will be stopped by security and sent packing.

However, provided they can produce appropriate identification, they can be issued with a day pass and will be allowed to use the cycle route any time of the day or night.

New international legislation means that Forth Ports have had to draw up a security code to encompass all harbour users, no matter how peripheral their engagement in port activities.

The legislation requires all ports to implement the new mandatory International Ship and Port facility Security Code (ISPS) which affects every major port in the world.

The legislation came into effect on July 1 and all port employees, employees of tenants and regular callers now need a permanent security pass to use the port estate.

The requirement also applies to the cycle track because it enters the port estate.

Infrequent port visitors or users will be given a day pass from the new security gatehouse at the west end on presentation of identification.

“Over 100 cyclists have applied for passes so far,” said a company spokesman.

“A cyclist who does not have a pass will be stopped. However, provided they can produce appropriate official photo identification, such as a driving licence or passport, they will be issued with a day pass.

“The cycle track will be ready by the end of August.

“There is a requirement to administer the pass system as part of the new national legislation governing security at all UK ports.”

Forth Ports are said to be just as annoyed at the inconvenience as cyclists are likely to be because of the extra expense and trouble of administering the security scheme.

The new main access and exit point to the port, which will be in operation 24 hours a day, will be next to Roodyards Bridge.

The east end gate at the Broughty Ferry Road bridge will be available for access to cyclist and pedestrian permanent pass-holders 24 hours a day.

Children will not be allowed into the restricted port area unless accompanied by an adult and only with the express permission of Forth Ports.

Children will be permitted to use the cycle track provided they are accompanied and supervised by an adult and security guards will enforce the new restrictions.

Application forms for a regular cycle track user can be obtained from the port office on Dock Street, or from Dundee City Council at Floor 2 in Tayside House.

A Department of Transport spokesman they had approved a security plan for the Port of Dundee as part of the implementation of the ISPS Code.