Dundee’s newest bridge over the railway line at Seabraes has prompted Tesco to bring in parking restrictions.
Dozens of workers in Dundee’s city centre and west end have seen an opportunity and park for free at Tesco Riverside then use the new bridge and steps to quickly access the west end.
In response, Tesco has announced it will introduce time limits on parking within the next month.
Details of the restrictions are yet to be finalised but it is thought time in the car park will be capped at three hours.
A Tesco spokesman said: “We’re very pleased our car park is very popular with those who use our store and the town centre.
From next month, we’ll introduce a time limit to parking at the store, so our customers can continue to shop with us and visit the town at their convenience.
“We are finalising details of the restrictions, which are likely to be for three hours. The car park will be managed by a camera-controlled system.
“We’re keen to make sure the car park remains for the use of those who wish to use the store and the town centre for their shopping.”
Councillor Richard McCready said: “This would appear to be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, as it would take hundreds of cars parking through the day to cause problems for Tesco.
“Since Tesco didn’t contribute to the construction of the bridge and may be one of its biggest beneficiaries, it would seem a little over-zealous to bring in charges like this; these people will surely be likely to get shopping at the Tesco or petrol. If they do implement regulations, I hope they are proportional and clearly signposted.”
Councillor Fraser Macpherson, whose West End ward includes Tesco Riverside and the new Seabraes bridge, said there is adequate parking space in the city centre.
He said: “There is plenty of parking in Dundee city centre much more than in Aberdeen or Edinburgh, where parking can be a challenge; right next to Seabraes, there is the multi-storey at Greenmarket, as well as the car park at the Olympia on the other side of town.
“There are several others as well, and proposals for more, including one at Hunter Street which we were keen to progress when I was convener of the planning committee.”