Developer must make Swallow Roundabout 'improvements', SNP transport chief says
The housing firm responsible for controversial changes to Dundee's Swallow Roundabout must follow through with 'improvements' at the junction, Scotland's transport secretary has said.
Fiona Hyslop said developer Springfield must follow through on safety expert recommendations after an audit said 'confusing' lane markings could lead to more crashes.
Angry Dundonians have also complained about lengthy delays caused by waiting at new traffic lights following the revamp, which was completed in March, though those delays seem to have eased in recent weeks.
The changes to the Swallow Roundabout were a planning condition of the new Western Gateway housing development at Dykes of Gray.
Ms Hyslop previously defended the upgrades and insisted traffic flows at the junction were being monitored.
She turned down an invitation from frustrated councillors asking her to visit the roundabout.
Ms Hyslop spoke to The Courier at McDiarmid Park in Perth, where she was attending an event on the dualling of the A9.
Speaking to The Courier in Perth, Ms Hyslop said: 'As somebody who regularly travels to Dundee and through Dundee, I'm very familiar with the Swallow Roundabout.
'It's the developers who are responsible.
'They've been given an improvement programme to help address some of the issues.
'We'd expect the developers to do that.
'My strong message is they should listen to the concerns.
'They have advice as to how they can make improvements, and they should take up that advice.'
Ms Hyslop was asked by The Courier whether she agreed with the specific complaints of residents.
'I think we'll just leave it at that,' she said, referring to her previous answer.
Housing developer Springfield had commissioned the audit carried out by Stewart Paton Associates.
The report warned that 'unclear or conflicting' lane markings could lead to driver frustration, sudden changes and stopping, and potentially 'shunt-type collisions'.
Currently, markings show arrows pointing ahead in all three lanes approaching the roundabout, but anyone in the outside lane has to turn right onto Riverside Avenue.
It was recommended that this is changed but three months on from when the inspection was carried out at the roundabout, the markings remain the same.
The chaos which has gripped the roundabout has sparked renewed questions over a Dundee bypass.
Upgrades to the A94 between Perth and Forfar have also been floated as one method of cutting down congestion.
A Springfield spokesperson said: 'We commissioned third party specialists to design improvements in line with Transport Scotland regulations.
'These designs were reviewed by the relevant authorities before any construction took place, and the roundabout improvements have been built in line with the approved design.
'A safety audit was carried out to determine areas where changes may be required.
'The findings of this audit have been collated in a technical report which is being reviewed by the roundabout designer and Transport Scotland to decide what measures should be taken to address the findings.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
34 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Procurement process for two new Northlink ferries launched
The 'freight-flex' ferries, also known as Northern Isles Freight Vessels (NIFV), have been being developed by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and naval architects Leadship Design and Consulting, and has been presented to Scottish government ministers and officials. Ms Hyslop confirmed that the design will be the basis of a tendering process, with funding available in the 2025-26 budget. Transport Scotland said that there is a 'potential' contract start on the freighter replacements next year. The freighter-flex vessels will replace the aged Helliar and Hildasay, offering additonal freight capacity, quicker crossings and space for up to 200 passengers on board at peak times. The MS Hildasay (Image: NQ) Ms Hyslop confirmed the launch of the procurement process in response to a parliament question from Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick. She said: 'The Scottish Government is fully committed to investing in all of our lifeline ferry services and so, I am pleased to see this progress in procuring two new freight flex vessels to serve the Northern Isles. 'These new vessels will have increased freight capacity, higher operating speeds, and additional capacity for passengers in peak season. This will enhance the efficiency and reliability of ferry services to best meet the needs of the businesses and communities in the Northern Isles for years to come. 'The start of this procurement is an important milestone in our plans to improve ferry services and I look forward to following the progress of this project over the coming months.' READ MORE: Ferry fare price hike was eight percent more than requested by operators Visitors to Shetland 'twice as likely to be influenced by film, TV or literature' CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs said the announcement marked an 'important step forward in strengthening the long-term resilience of the Northern Isles services. 'We look forward to receiving bids that demonstrate innovation, efficiency and the ability to deliver reliable vessels that will support a more adaptable and robust service for years to come,' he added. Fiona Hyslop (Image: NQ) NorthLink managing director Stuart Garrett has thanked all those involved in the project. 'NorthLink Ferries welcomes the additional capacity that the freight flex vessels will provide, enabling us to continue to support the growth of the Northern Isles economies,' he told the Shetland Times. Ms Roddick said: 'It is great news that CMAL is moving to procure two new freight vessels for Orkney and Shetland. 'This will make such a difference to capacity on the route and promote resilience even when there are issues with weather or other disruption.
The Courier
3 hours ago
- The Courier
Angus South SNP hopeful vows to fight for 'scunnered' locals and independence
The SNP's Angus South hopeful Lloyd Melville says he'll fight ruthlessly for 'scunnered' locals who are concerned about health and education. Mr Melville, a councillor for the Monifieth and Sidlaw ward, will stand under the SNP banner at the Scottish Parliament election next year as incumbent MSP Graeme Dey stands down. Speaking to The Courier, the 24-year-old Holyrood hopeful set out his priorities in the local school estate and rural healthcare. Mr Melville, who party insiders say is among the 'next generation' of leaders in the SNP, told The Courier: 'We're listening to people at the moment. 'What they are telling us is that there are particular challenges around healthcare, the cost of living, around education. 'People are feeling a bit powerless and scunnered at the moment. My priority is to act on those areas. 'In healthcare, for instance, the Scottish Government is investing targeted sums to bring down waiting times, which is good progress but there is much more that needs to be done. 'What I pledge to do as the candidate is listen to communities across Angus South and ruthlessly and relentlessly stand up for those priorities in the Scottish Parliament.' He added: 'As a local councillor one of the things I've helped to do is deliver record investment in the education estate. 'I think there is more that needs to be done there in terms of rejuvenating the school estate in Angus and making further improvement. 'I want to make sure that we protect our rural healthcare setting and look at what more can be done to ensure that housing developments pays towards the cost of local services like health and social care. 'We know the impact that has, particularly in places like Monifieth.' Asked about his other priorities, Mr Melville says it would be 'remiss' not to say that he wants Scotland to be an independent country. 'That's very much up there on my list of priorities,' he adds. Asked how he would seek to convince voters in Angus, he explained: 'The onus is on us to make sure that independence is relevant. That's what the first minister is seeking to do. 'We have to make independence relevant and interesting again to ordinary folk. That's going to be my focus. It's about delivery in the here and now and relating independence to people's everyday concerns.' SNP MSP Graeme Dey has represented Angus South since 2011 and was re-elected in 2021 with 50.7% of the vote and a majority of more than 6,000. The Scottish Conservatives have selected anti-pylon campaigner and councillor Tracey Smith to face off against Mr Melville. She is founder and chair of the Save Our Mearns pressure group. The party came second at the last election.
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Huge £20m boost to UK drivers buying electric vehicles but there's a catch
The push for electric vehicles is expected to stimulate economic growth by creating new green jobs Motorists in part of the UK can benefit from substantial incentives to switch from petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles (EVs) with the help of a £20 million fund. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to accelerate the transition to cleaner transport and reduce carbon emissions, but here's the catch — it is only available to drivers in Scotland. The Scottish Government recently renewed the funding — the scheme was started in 2011 — which comes on top of an investment of around £65 million in strengthening public charging infrastructure. These incentives also support Scotland's ambitious target to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. The £20 million electric vehicle fund features several key components. Interest-free loans are being made available to both households and businesses, with a particular focus on supporting individuals and enterprises with lower incomes. Funding will be available for the Used EV Loan, Switched on Taxi Loan and Used Electric Low Carbon Vehicle Loan for Vans. READ MORE: UK's cheapest city where EV chargers are £6.48 lower - but there's a catch The Scottish Government has made an investment of around £65 million to strengthen public charging infrastructure (Image: BuckighamshireLive - Grahame Larter) These loans can be used for the purchase of new and used electric cars, vans, motorcycles and mopeds. For example, the Used EV loan offers an interest-free loan of up to £30,000 to cover the cost of buying a used EV, and up to £5,000 towards a second-hand electric motorcycle or moped. Businesses are also eligible for the Low Carbon Transport Business Loan, which can provide up to £150,000 to help businesses reduce their carbon impact and fuel costs, with sole traders and partnerships eligible for up to £75,000 of loan support. Taxi drivers are not left out, as the Switched On Taxis Loan covers both new and used electric taxis, with loan limits tailored to company size and structure. In addition to loans, grants are available for vehicle disposal and charging infrastructure. Households within a 20km radius of Scotland's low emission zones, such as those in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee, can receive up to £3,000 towards the safe disposal of non-compliant petrol or diesel vehicles, further incentivising the move to electric. There are also grants for installing home EV charge points, with up to £600 in combined UK and Scottish Government support for domestic installations. Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: "I'm pleased to announce the allocation of £20million to support our electric vehicle support schemes. (Image: Copyright John Adrian 2020-2021. All Rights Reserved.) "During the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, this will help people access the benefits of modern electric vehicles at a greater range of price points. This means that more people can take climate action as part of our transition to a net zero transport system. "These loans are in addition to what Scotland is already investing through our core Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. These streams of investment work in tandem to make electric cars and vans the natural choice for drivers by 2030.' Hyslop added: "We've met our target of 6,000 charge points two years earlier than planned through a combination of Scottish Government funding, increasing private sector investment and local authority planning and leadership. "Scotland has more public EV charge points per capita than anywhere else in the UK, outside of London, and we have more rapid public EV charge points than any other part of the UK." Scotland ambitiously aims to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 (Image: Getty Images) As of April 2025, Scotland had the second-most rapid or ultra-rapid electric car chargers in the UK, with 1,885 in place — coming in just behind the Southeast of England. The push for electric vehicles is expected to stimulate economic growth by creating new green jobs, especially considering Scotland's aim to deliver around 24,000 additional public EV charge points by 2030. To access these incentives, motorists and businesses can apply through the Energy Saving Trust, which administers the funding programmes on behalf of the Scottish Government. Detailed eligibility criteria and application processes are available on their website and through local advice centres. Senior programme manager at the Energy Saving Trust, Heather Quin, said: "In addition to supporting individuals and businesses purchasing electric vehicles, we're pleased to also be offering further support to microbusinesses and sole traders to purchase electric vans. "These loans are a practical and inclusive way to help more people switch to electric vehicles, lowering Scotland's carbon emissions and improving local air quality." Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@ for a chance to be featured.
