Doomed £5m tollbooth canopy in line for major design award

Published on Monday 25 February 2008 09:31

THE doomed Forth Road Bridge tollbooth canopy is in line for a major design award – just as it is being torn down.

The structure, which cost more than 5 million to design and build, is being scrapped following the decision by the Scottish Government to drop bridge tolls.

It has been in place for little over a year, and throughout that time has faced protests from local residents who claimed it blocked their views of the Forth and caused noise and light pollution.

Bridge operator FETA hopes to sell the booths to be used on another toll road, although the canopy is likely to be sold as scrap metal.

Despite this it has now been named as one of more than 100 entries shortlisted for this year's Civic Trust awards, which aim to encourage projects that are "culturally, socially or economically beneficial", and make "an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the environment".

Martin Gallagher, the transport convener for the Queensferry and District Community Council, said it was astounding that the canopy could be put forward for such an award.

"This is something that the local residents objected strongly to, and which most people would agree is something of an eyesore," he said.

"It seems to contradict everything the awards stand for. The residents of South Queensferry will be glad to see it pulled down, and while I can see what the architects were trying to achieve, it was simply too close to people's homes."

The new booths were designed to protect attendants from fumes and road-rage drivers, and the canopy also included a sign and lighting system and electronic tolling sensors which could calculate how many passengers were in a car and charge accordingly.

Installed in 2006, there were immediate calls to remove the booths after they were built closer to local homes than had been agreed.

After a lengthy planning process the booths were deemed acceptable, but just a few months later their fate was sealed when the new SNP-led Scottish Government said it was scrapping all bridge tolls.

The toll booth plaza, which also included a new office building, was designed by city architects Reiach and Hall which has six projects on the shortlist for a Civic Trust award, more than any other practice in the UK.

Neil Gillespie, design director at Reiach and Hall, said: "It's been a very good year for us and it's amazing how these things can happen."

The Scottish Storytelling Centre has also been put forward for an award.

Architect Malcolm Fraser, who designed the building, said:

"It's great to be nominated and awards are always very nice, but what really pleases me is seeing how well-used the building is."

Philip Kolvin, who chairs the Civic Trust, said: "A record 400 entries, representing the best in new buildings, public spaces and renovations, have been whittled down to a final shortlist by our national panel."

&#149 The annual Civic Trust Awards are due to be held on March 12 in Newcastle. For more information on the awards, visit ||WEBSTART||www.civictrust.org.uk