A crucial junction serving Perth’s bustling Broxden park-and-ride facility is set to undergo a substantial £300,000 upgrade, with improvements slated for early next year. This significant investment aims to enhance safety and streamline access to the increasingly popular transport hub, which has seen a remarkable surge in bus and coach movements.
Local bus operators have consistently voiced their concerns regarding the existing access points to the Broxden Interchange, particularly in light of its growing traffic. With nearly 2,000 bus and coach departures each week, the junction now handles close to 4,000 vehicle movements over the same period, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure enhancements to accommodate this volume safely and efficiently. Addressing Operator Concerns and Enhancing Safety
Elaine Ritchie, the strategic lead for Perth and Kinross Council, highlighted the critical nature of these impending works in a recent briefing to local councillors. She acknowledged the persistent feedback from bus and coach operators, who have expressed apprehension about the current state of the access road leading to the Broxden Low Carbon Mobility Hub. The escalating number of departures from the site has amplified these concerns, making the safety element a top priority for the council.
In response, the council’s Public Transport Unit has been diligently collaborating with traffic and roads network teams to push forward these vital junction improvements. The target for initiating these works is February 2026, with planning and engagement with utility providers currently in their final stages. This proactive approach aims to address the practical challenges faced by commercial transport operators and ensure a safer environment for all users of the facility. Wider Regional Improvements Funded by Transport Scotland
The funding for these essential upgrades primarily comes from a generous £374,000 award from Transport Scotland’s Bus Infrastructure Fund (BIF). This allocation is part of a broader commitment to enhancing public transport infrastructure across the region, reflecting a strategic vision for more sustainable and accessible travel options.
Beyond Broxden, a further £55,000 from the same fund has been earmarked for the Kinross Interchange/Mobility Hub. This investment will deliver a range of improvements, including the addition of new bus bays, the installation of modern bus shelters featuring innovative ‘living roofs’, efficient solar lighting, and comfortable seating areas. These upgrades are similarly driven by an observed increase in the number of local bus services and express coaches utilising the Kinross site, aiming to boost passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
The remaining £19,000 from the BIF allocation is intended to fund improvements at various other bus stops throughout the Perth and Kinross area. This flexible allocation will allow for targeted enhancements where they are most needed, ensuring a wider benefit for commuters and residents relying on public transport services across the region. Broxden’s Pivotal Role in Perth’s Future
Broxden roundabout is not just a local junction; it stands as one of Scotland’s busiest and most strategically important transport arteries. It serves as a vital nexus, connecting traffic flows from major cities including Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, and Inverness, making its smooth operation crucial for regional connectivity and economic activity.
The ongoing development around Broxden signifies its continued growth as a key commercial and transport hub. Last year, local councillors approved plans for the introduction of five new drive-thru restaurants, including popular chains like Burger King and Starbucks, alongside a new office block. These additions further increase the footfall and vehicle traffic in the vicinity, underscoring the necessity of robust and safe transport infrastructure.
Looking further ahead, the Broxden Low Carbon Mobility Hub, an ambitious £1 million project first conceived in 2018, secured nearly £800,000 in European funding. This innovative hub is designed to feature a hydrogen refuelling station, a solar carport, and ultra-fast charging points for electric vehicles. It is envisioned as the foundational element of a grander ‘Perth Innovation Highway,’ a future-focused initiative aimed at seamlessly connecting the vibrant city centre with the planned expansion at Perth West. This holistic approach to transport development promises not only immediate safety improvements but also a forward-looking vision for a more sustainable and integrated transport network for Perth and Kinross.
Local bus operators have consistently voiced their concerns regarding the existing access points to the Broxden Interchange, particularly in light of its growing traffic. With nearly 2,000 bus and coach departures each week, the junction now handles close to 4,000 vehicle movements over the same period, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure enhancements to accommodate this volume safely and efficiently. Addressing Operator Concerns and Enhancing Safety
Elaine Ritchie, the strategic lead for Perth and Kinross Council, highlighted the critical nature of these impending works in a recent briefing to local councillors. She acknowledged the persistent feedback from bus and coach operators, who have expressed apprehension about the current state of the access road leading to the Broxden Low Carbon Mobility Hub. The escalating number of departures from the site has amplified these concerns, making the safety element a top priority for the council.
In response, the council’s Public Transport Unit has been diligently collaborating with traffic and roads network teams to push forward these vital junction improvements. The target for initiating these works is February 2026, with planning and engagement with utility providers currently in their final stages. This proactive approach aims to address the practical challenges faced by commercial transport operators and ensure a safer environment for all users of the facility. Wider Regional Improvements Funded by Transport Scotland
The funding for these essential upgrades primarily comes from a generous £374,000 award from Transport Scotland’s Bus Infrastructure Fund (BIF). This allocation is part of a broader commitment to enhancing public transport infrastructure across the region, reflecting a strategic vision for more sustainable and accessible travel options.
Beyond Broxden, a further £55,000 from the same fund has been earmarked for the Kinross Interchange/Mobility Hub. This investment will deliver a range of improvements, including the addition of new bus bays, the installation of modern bus shelters featuring innovative ‘living roofs’, efficient solar lighting, and comfortable seating areas. These upgrades are similarly driven by an observed increase in the number of local bus services and express coaches utilising the Kinross site, aiming to boost passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
The remaining £19,000 from the BIF allocation is intended to fund improvements at various other bus stops throughout the Perth and Kinross area. This flexible allocation will allow for targeted enhancements where they are most needed, ensuring a wider benefit for commuters and residents relying on public transport services across the region. Broxden’s Pivotal Role in Perth’s Future
Broxden roundabout is not just a local junction; it stands as one of Scotland’s busiest and most strategically important transport arteries. It serves as a vital nexus, connecting traffic flows from major cities including Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, and Inverness, making its smooth operation crucial for regional connectivity and economic activity.
The ongoing development around Broxden signifies its continued growth as a key commercial and transport hub. Last year, local councillors approved plans for the introduction of five new drive-thru restaurants, including popular chains like Burger King and Starbucks, alongside a new office block. These additions further increase the footfall and vehicle traffic in the vicinity, underscoring the necessity of robust and safe transport infrastructure.
Looking further ahead, the Broxden Low Carbon Mobility Hub, an ambitious £1 million project first conceived in 2018, secured nearly £800,000 in European funding. This innovative hub is designed to feature a hydrogen refuelling station, a solar carport, and ultra-fast charging points for electric vehicles. It is envisioned as the foundational element of a grander ‘Perth Innovation Highway,’ a future-focused initiative aimed at seamlessly connecting the vibrant city centre with the planned expansion at Perth West. This holistic approach to transport development promises not only immediate safety improvements but also a forward-looking vision for a more sustainable and integrated transport network for Perth and Kinross.