Video Review: I shut down the Tay Road Bridge
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Date of visit: June 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
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Overall Rating
Average
The video above shares my experience on the Tay Road Bridge, where a problem with the lift sparked a change that could make a real difference for disabled people, and anyone else crossing the bridge. This review will document access features noted during my initial crossing of the bridge.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
If accessing the bridge from Dundee, there is a lift that takes you up to the bridge through a set of automatic doors. The call button has both Braille and raised markings. Inside the lift, there is space for a powerchair. With my power attachment, my wheelchair is pretty long, so I expect a scooter would manage, though it would be tight. Inside the lift, there are tactile buttons, also with Braille, an alarm button and a hearing loop. There is also a spiral staircase, which I remember having handrails, though I did not go up or down it. On exiting the lift, there is a further set of automatic doors before reaching the bridge platform. As the platform is between two carriageways, it is very noisy and the altitude may mean you are exposed to the wind. There are rails on either side as you cross and multiple emergency assistance points along the bridge. The assistance intercom functions like a walkie-talkie, in that you need to hold down the button while you speak. This is not what I would consider accessible. Additionally, there is no signage to indicate a hearing loop, though there is an alarm in the lift, if it is operational. When crossing, bikes are encouraged to give way to pedestrians. On the Fife end, there is a ramp down to the local car park on the left, or a cycle path to the right. On either side of the bridge, outside the entrance in Dundee and before the ramp in Fife, there is an indicator to confirm whether the lift is operational or not. There are no seats on the bridge.
Accessible facilities: Lift to some areas, Step-free entrance
Accessible Toilets
There are no toilets at the bridge, although there is one in the car park at the Fife end, which requires a RADAR key.
Staff
Good
Ordinarily, there are no staff present on the bridge but, due to the broken lift, I had to call for assistance. The staff were exceptionally helpful and the follow-up I received from the Tay Bridge crew was fantastic. They genuinely want to listen to disabled voices and act on what they hear.
Additional Information
Further to my issue with the lift being out of operation, the Tay Road Bridge team purchased a ramp that can be deployed in an emergency to help people get off the platform.
