By Lars Niven

A FIFE MP has urged the roads authorities to shift the bus stop at the north end of the Forth Road Bridge before someone is killed.

Willie Rennie, who represents Dunfermline and West Fife, wants to see the stop moved further up the A90 in a bid to improve safety.

The stance is used by folk heading for North Queensferry or the Corus Hotel next to the bridge.

It lies at the very end of the northbound carriageway and the problem is caused when buses have to pull into or out of the bus stop.

Many drivers heading into Fife do not know it is there and can get taken by surprise when buses slow down.

“This is a very dangerous bus stop,” said Mr Rennie.

“I have spoken to the bus company, who tell me that drivers are filled with dread every time they try to negotiate their bus back on to the carriageway after using the stop.”

The Liberal Democrat believes the safest option would be for the bus to stop at the Welldean lay-by, a further 200 yards on, up the A90.

“Buses that use the stop would then carry on down the slip road to Ferrytoll rather than re-enter the busy road.

“I have written to Fife Council and Bear Scotland, who tell me that the bus company can use the lay-by at peak periods.

“However, that is no solution as the road is busy most of the time and, if a passenger is waiting at the original bus stop, the bus has to pick them up.”

BEAR Scotland said, “The section of the A90 to which Mr Rennie refers is not a trunk road and is the responsibility of Fife Council as the local roads authority.”

Council transport spokesman Jim Philp said, “I’d like to thank Mr Rennie for bringing this to the public’s attention although Fife Council are already on the case.

“A range of possible options to address this issue have been identified by the council and Stagecoach.

“The preferred permanent solution is to develop further bus service links between Ferrytoll and North Queensferry to allow North Queensferry passengers to change rather than get on and off at the Forth Road Bridge bus stop.

“Opportunities are still being investigated by Fife Council to develop these additional links.

“One of the other options identified, pending development of any additional links, is to consider moving the bus stop into the Welldean lay-by.

“This requires discussions with FETA since the existing stop is within the section of road under their control as roads authority for the bridgehead area.

“In earlier discussions with Mr Rennie, the council advised that they intended to have further discussions with Stagecoach and FETA to investigate moving the stop.

“These have not taken place yet but arrangements are being made and Mr Rennie will be updated.

“In the meantime, Stagecoach advised they would service this bus stop from the Welldean lay-by at peak times.

“I’d be more than happy to discuss these issues with Mr Rennie if he’d like to contact me directly.”

Stagecoach East Scotland managing director Doug Fleming added, “We feel that a suitable solution would be to relocate the bus stop to the lay-by as well as consider creating a bus lane to run from the lay by directly to Ferrytoll.”