A Dundee coach operator has described temporary parking arrangements at a local tourist attraction as “a recipe for disaster.”
Bob Costello, owner of Sidlaw Executive Travel, has hit out at Dundee City Council over coach parking at the Olympia Leisure Centre, which serves Discovery Point.
A large area of the car park is sealed off to the public, including specially-created areas for coach and bus parties visiting the city.
Coach operators are having to make use of alternative arrangements, with some performing a U-turn in what limited space is available at the Olympia site.
Mr Costello said: “Not one company was warned about this. We have been given two options, the first of which is at the Olympia and is totally unsuitable.
“The second is at the foot of the stairs to the walkway between Tayside House and the Olympia, next to the casino.
“They have put four spaces for coaches there but people have been wandering around trying to find out where to get picked up.
“The other thing is that you have a mixture of cars and coaches. These are quite tight driving areas, which is a recipe for disaster.”
Work in the area is part of the redevelopment of the city waterfront. Gas, electricity and telephone cables under the car park are being rerouted, with traffic being advised to park at the nearby Greenmarket, Gellatly Street, Earl Grey Place and Discovery Point car parks.
The new Northern Boulevard is expected to be opened in two years’ time.
Mr Costello claims the council failed to consult local coach companies, adding: “It’s up to the council to consult with us and inform us of what is happening. Not to have proper coach provision is absolutely crazy.”
However, Dundee City Council denied claims it had not given due notice of the works.
Promising to keep an eye on the current arrangements, a spokesman said: “The information was issued regarding this closure, which is part of the central waterfront project. Dundee City Council is continuing to monitor the situation.”