Car park
The Rest and Be Thankful Car Park and Viewpoint at the north end of Glen Croe forms a key component of the proposed scheme.
To inform the design work and the ongoing DMRB Stage 3 Assessment, we have been engaging with the A83 Taskforce, Argyll and Bute Council, Forestry and Land Scotland, key environmental stakeholders (e.g. Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority), bus operators and landowners.
Consultation with key stakeholders aims to ensure that the proposals for the car park meet different user group aspirations wherever practicable.
Car park surveys were undertaken in November 2023 and February 2024 resulting in the completion of 182 questionnaires.
These surveys are starting to build a picture of the existing usage of the car park, including the origin and destination of journeys, the primary purpose for journeys (e.g. work, leisure), the purpose for stopping at the car park (e.g. taking a rest, looking at the view) and modes of transport (e.g. car, van, bus). The surveys are also capturing comments on future aspirations for the car park.
The project team will be undertaking further surveys and questionnaires in the coming months to ensure we understand any changes in usage throughout the year. The outcomes of the surveys and questionnaires will inform the ongoing design development work.
Progress
The design of the car park and viewpoint is ongoing. The final layout will be informed by consultation with key stakeholders, on site surveys and feedback received as part of this public engagement event.
The draft layout of the emerging car park design is provided below and includes aspirations to:
- Connect the car park to the B828 Glen Mhor local road, including access to an improved junction layout to and from the A83
- Improve safety to reduce the number of junctions and conflicts between traffic, as well as improving visibility for road users
- Improve the bus stop and bus turning facility, improve the gradient and integrate this within the car park
- Retain the existing layout, parking capacity, aesthetic and rural feel, recognising the significant topographical constraints and impacts associated with extending or increasing the size of the carpark.
Transport Scotland would be grateful for your feedback on the draft emerging car park and viewpoint layout, and would like to hear your views on the following two items:
- Tell us what you think about the existing car park?
- What opportunities should be considered at the car park?
Your feedback is appreciated. It will assist the design team to identify the preferred layout of the car park and viewpoint.
A feedback form is available at the public engagement event or online via the virtual exhibition room.