Van drivers are using a multi-million pound Broughty Ferry cycle lane for parking.
Residents and cyclists have branded the lane “pointless” if vehicles continue to block the thoroughfare.
The cycle path was created as part of the wider £9 million active travel plan.
Residents spotted a van parking on the cycle lane at the Broughty Ferry esplanade on Wednesday afternoon.
Jim Hawkins, 69, uses the cycle path several times a week.
“I cycle along here three times a week, maybe more,” he said.
Jim has seen vehicles parked on the dedicated cycle lane more than once.
“It forces you to either go on the walkway, or onto the road.
“It’s a brilliant thing that they (the council) have done.”
“But if you can’t use it, it’s pointless. It is money that has been wasted.”
‘World class’ asset for Dundee
Although part of the Ferry lane is completed, work is ongoing for the rest of the path. It will eventually connect a walking and cycling route between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth.
Donald Baddon from Dundee Cycling Forum called it a “world class asset” for Dundee prior to opening.
But that is only if cyclists can use it.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen people parking on the new lane,” said Deryck Wallace, another avid Dundee cyclist.
“Although I shouldn’t be surprised as pavements in general get used as parking spaces all the time.”
Elaine Heron lives on the esplanade.
Elaine, 60, said: “They’ve narrowed the road. I’m not sure if that was in the plans.
“So if vans are delivering, they end up having to double park.
“But that’s only for a few minutes.
“I noticed a van in the cycle path yesterday.
“If people start parking on [the cycle path], then it’s a waste of all the money that has been spent on it.”
‘Not acceptable’ says Dundee City Council
A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “We are aware of this situation and it is not acceptable to block the cycle lane for any period of time.
“We are actively looking at ways that we can deter drivers from doing this, including increased enforcement activity.”
Conversation