By Dave Lord

A THIRD bridge crossing the Tay in Perth is essential to “get the city moving again,” an MP has claimed.

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart has said the Fair City is gridlocked all too often and that a new bridge—although costing millions of pounds in the short-term— would greatly aid economic growth.

He insists residents’ quality of life is being compromised by the volume of local traffic and said there would be massive popular support for the proposal.

At this time of year minds are often geared toward finding a resolution for the next 12 months and Mr Wishart believes locals have a perfect opportunity to decide on something which would benefit the wider community.

“2006 should be the year that the campaign to secure a third bridge across the Tay in Perth is stepped up,” he told The Courier last night.

“Now is the time to put forward a proper social and business case to secure an early start on a new build.”

The case for constructing a third crossing of the Tay has been made sporadically over the last few years but Mr Wishart insists a concerted and sustained campaign is required.

“Perth’s transport issues are now becoming a serious impediment to our economic and social development and this must now be addressed,” he said.

“Over the Christmas and New Year period it appeared as if the city was approaching gridlock with the sheer number of cars in the centre.

“If we are serious in taking Perth forward we must start to put in place the infrastructure solutions we now desperately require.

“There is no doubt that a third bridge would relieve many of our transport difficulties and help get the city moving again,” the MP continued.

“It would also improve the tourism and retail experience in the city centre.”

Mr Wishart claims there is “widespread support” for a third bridge among Perth and Kinross council members.

“Perth’s quality of life is now being compromised by the sheer volume of traffic that comes through the city and something has to give,” he said.

“I understand the local authority and chamber of commerce already support the case for a third bridge and what is now required is for all parties to come together to put this case robustly.

“We have to spell out how the quality of life in the city would be improved.”

Mr Wishart has pledged to keep up his own personal momentum on the issue by contacting influential individuals and organisations in a bid to secure their backing.

“In the next few weeks I intend to speak to community and business leaders about this proposal,” he said.

“I very much hope that 2006 is the year we start to make real progress on securing our new bridge.”