Transport bosses have been warned a bus service shakeup in the Carse of Gowrie could force more pedestrians to cross the busy A90.
Stagecoach intends to drop the hamlet of West Kinfauns, just off the main road, from its replacement route when it scraps the 39 Arbroath to Perth service this month.
The change is due to come into effect from February 24 as part of a package of cost-saving measures by the bus giant.
At present, buses heading east and west stop at West Kinfauns. In future, the nearest eastbound stop will be across the dual carriageway beneath Kinfauns Castle and the nearest westbound will be on the same side but much further west, close to the Willowgate activity centre under the Friarton Bridge.
Politicians fear passengers will have to cross the dual carriageway, or walk alongside it on foot, increasing the risks of accidents in fast moving traffic.
Carse of Gowrie councillor Alasdair Bailey is urging the bus firm to rethink its plans.
The Labour member said a council-run replacement service will only be available two days a week, meaning passengers are potentially putting themselves in danger on the remaining days.
He said: “Crossing the road at that location is really dangerous, it’s less than a mile from where that road stops being a motorway. A pedestrian was killed on the A90 very close to this location a few years ago so there’s a bad history there.
“I’m worried that someone will be killed or seriously injured crossing this 70mph road to get to the bus stop less than a mile from where it stops being a motorway. Drivers just won’t be expecting to see people on the road and it’s not lit either.
“I’d encourage people to take extreme care if crossing or to consider walking down the Dundee road towards Perth instead and using that stop, but it’s twice the distance.”
Scott Hall, commercial manager for Stagecoach East Scotland said: “Due to very low passenger usage and feedback from customers about the reliability of service 39, we will no longer serve Walnut Grove from February 24.
“As an alternative and from the same date, Perth and Kinross Council will introduce an additional return journey on their supported service 51 which will operate every Tuesday and Thursday.
“We understand there are a number of bus stops on the A90 which may require bus passengers to cross a dual carriageway in order to access the bus stops.
“This has always been the case for those travelling from Kinfauns towards Perth and we welcome any enhancement to safety infrastructure at these points.”
