One of the interesting things about writing a newspaper column is that people write to you.

They agree or disagree, both of which are welcome. I don’t mind opposing voices.

The important thing is that a discussion is started, that people care and have opinions about what happens in their city.

I suggested what I reckon is a constructive idea – re-routing traffic away from Dundee Waterfront via a horseshoe-shaped road that cuts out the lower part of the inner ring – and people have fired back with constructive ideas of their own.

I was given several alternative suggestions after last week’s column.

Change to Waterfront roads is not a bad idea

One, from local historian Hugh Macrae, was: “It would be relatively simple to alter the Waterfront roads so there are two lanes each way in front of the V&A, eliminating Dock Street and its three lanes.

“A bit of re-engineering would be needed for traffic off and on the bridge, but doable in my view.”

It’s not a bad idea at all, Hugh. It would give unfettered access from the city centre to most of the Waterfront area.

It’s certainly better than a cultural playground marooned on an island with man-eating carriageways all around.

Who would let their children play freely around the Waterfront area as it is?

There were other ideas.

One Dundonian, who wished to remain anonymous, suggested pedestrian bridges at the foot of Union Street, Crichton Street and Castle Street to connect the city centre and Waterfront.

I also note Dundee Civic Trust have, in the past, proposed innovative and ambitious ways to change the Waterfront layout.

What all this proves is that the people of Dundee have ideas and understand the need to innovate a way out of problems.

The need for discussion has urgency because the time to rethink traffic is now.

Changes and alternatives must be thought through before we have things in place on the vacant Waterfront sites that can’t be moved.

Dundee Waterfront needs flexible thinking

Flexible thinking – to be prepared to alter plans – takes agile minds.

We’d need a council and council officers who not only have the bravery to admit a cultural quarter with four-lane roads running through and round it is a bad idea, but the imagination to deviate from their almighty, immutable plan.

But what we have is an administration and councillors who never engage with the public on matters like this.

What contribution have councillors made to discussions on the Waterfront in the papers this last fortnight?

Have any come forward with a constructive proposal of their own or shown a keen mind bubbling over with ambitious and innovative possibilities?

No. They sit back, numbly hoping a dozen private firms will magically appear and build the Waterfront into a big, jolly success – despite this not happening in 10 years.

Once again, I ask councillors of Dundee to speak up, get involved, show leadership, add to the discussion – even if it is just to explain why you think an idea isn’t viable.

More from The Courier’s series on Dundee Waterfront:

Why is it taking so long to build Dundee Waterfront?

Businesses that have opened at Dundee Waterfront – and why they succeeded or failed

EXCLUSIVE: Dundee Waterfront gig promoter reveals plans for four-day festival in boost for Slessor Gardens

On the waterfront – the winding tale of how Dundee has built by the river

How has £1.6bn Dundee Waterfront development transformed culture in the city?

List of empty sites and units at Dundee Waterfront and what’s planned for them

© The Courier