Plans for a new bridge across the Tay at Perth have come under fire as a council “vanity project”.
A new crossing linking the A93 Blairgowrie road and the A9 north has won the backing of the current council administration but, according to Scone Lib Dem councillor Lewis Simpson, the massive funding required could be better spent.
A keen cyclist and supporter of alternatives to car travel, Mr Simpson says all options must be explored.
“All motorists, cyclists and pedestrians will be aware of the poor state of repair of our network of roads, pavements and paths,” he said.
“It is surely ill advised for the SNP administration on Perth and Kinross Council to propose borrowing over £20 million for the cross Tay road link when there is such a backlog of repairs to the existing network.
“I am sure it would be better to adopt a policy of ‘fix it first’ rather than embarking on an unsustainable vanity road project.”
Mr Simpson also said the £20 million council contribution to the project funding could go a huge way to providing free buses or even bikes.
“At least look at the other options,” he said.
Those promoting the new bridge that could be in place by 2020 say that, without it, development in the Scone area will be hampered a prospect that doesn’t worry Mr Simpson.
“I would be delighted if there was no more development around Scone,” he said.
While promoting the new bridge, a campaign is currently being formulated by the council to reduce demand for travel by car along the Scone to Bridgend corridor by highlighting the advantages of car sharing, walking, cycling and using public transport.
A council spokesman said: “As well as working to improve the roads infrastructure of Perth and Kinross, the council, along with the Regional Transport Partnership TACTRAN, is committed to increasing the use of sustainable transport.
“Later this year we will be launching a major campaign, initially in the Scone-Bridgend corridor, to encourage residents to make use of sustainable transport options. We are looking to work with the area’s major employers and transport providers on this campaign, which we hope will help reduce congestion and improve air quality in the city of Perth area.”