Hopes fading for Tay Road Bridge safety barriers bid

Hopes to have safety barriers built on the Tay Road Bridge look set to be dashed, despite a petition signed by more than 700 people.

In the last two weeks 732 people have signed Mhairi Bell-Moodie’s online petition for improved measures for suicide prevention.

However, after a meeting with bridge officials, where she presented the petition, Mhairi said she was told that her plans were too expensive.

“The Tay Road Bridge Joint Board were very helpful and they explained how much they are already doing to help prevent suicides from the bridge,” she said.

“Ultimately, the likelihood of raised barriers is low because of the cost and the fact it’s not structurally strong enough.

“A caged walkway would block visibility of CCTV and cut off access for people who may need to get off the carriageway for breakdowns etc.”

She added that she had been told that bridge staff prevent many suicide attempts.

However, Mhairi, who started the petition after witnessing the rescue of a man who jumped off the bridge, said: “This is not over watch this space!”