Labour council candidate Dr Michael Gregson for Inverness Central seat backs Academy Street plans but calls for close monitoring of traffic impact
Scottish Labour’s Candidate for the forthcoming Inverness Central by-election has called for “close monitoring” of traffic impacts due to the proposed Academy Street Regeneration Scheme.
Dr Michael Gregson is a keen cyclist who regularly travels by bike in the city centre is behind the scheme which sparked the ire of the Inverness business community over last minute changes.
Supporting the council’s take to slash traffic movements by more than 70 per cent through the city centre, he said: “It certainly is a good aspiration to change Academy Street from ‘a place to drive through to a place to go to.’”
Dr Gregson said: “I have been pleased with Highland Council’s commitment to make the town centre friendlier, safer and more accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
“I support this goal, especially in light of worrying toxic levels of nitrogen dioxide, and the context that over 9000 cars, lorries and buses use the street every day – this being mostly through traffic.
“But the impact on adjacent communities – not just the town centre, but also Crown, the Haugh, Merkinch and wider – is a concern.
“We do not know what the effect will be as people re-route. WSP UK’s study identifies some of the major traffic patterns, as people head to Ballifeary, Dalneigh, Muirtown, Raigmore and elsewhere.
“If elected as a local councillor, I will expect to see regular and detailed analysis of traffic volumes around Academy Street and also at busy junctions like Castle Street/ Mayfield Road and Tomnahurich Street/ Kenneth Street.
There are several such locations where what is called ‘operational impact’ may be greater than the initial study estimates.
“While I applaud the wish for an improved urban environment, local people and businesses are the lifeblood of our town, and the impacts of this project on them have to be closely monitored.”
