POLITICS MATTERS: David Stewart on why transport planners should utilise Caledonian Stadium in Inverness for park and ride initiatives as the Highlands works to reduce congestion and meet climate targets
Last weekend, as I braved the elements at the Caledonian Stadium, it struck me that we were missing a trick in the city... Why not make the stadium a major park and ride facility for the north?
The north and south car parks lie unused apart from match days. My ideal Christmas present to the city would be an all-singing and dancing, environmentally friendly park and ride fully equipped with a suite of fast-charging e-chargers. Drivers from the north of the city would leave their cars in a safe, well-lit car park and be ferried by electric buses to major employers, such as the Highland Council, Raigmore Hospital and the retail park.
The goal? Reduce congestion and toxic fumes within our city centre.
When I served on the Scottish Parliament’s environment committee, I was concerned to learn about the damaging effects that car and lorry exhaust fumes can have on our health. Young people and the elderly are most at risk.
There is also a wider issue of how we strategically plan development in the Highlands to reduce congestion, build in pedestrian safety and “up our game” for active travel.
We should not forget readers who commute to Inverness from Nairn, Forres and further afield. The Scottish Government has identified the planned Inverness Airport railway station as a nationally strategic park and ride.
Taken together, those two projects could see real gains for the north in a reduction in harmful car emissions such as carbon monoxide and dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are so harmful to our children’s health. Surely this would be a gift that keeps on giving?
• It is easy to knock the honours system. Why did he or she get an honour for just doing their job?
Well, first, a story. I just finished reading renowned military historian Max Hastings’ book Operation Pedestal about the campaign to re-supply Malta with fuel and food during World War II. Sir Max described how in April 1942, King George VI awarded the people of Malta the George Cross in recognition of their heroic struggle against continuous bombing during the war.
Could we adopt this for the New Year’s Honours list? What about a special award for every single front-line nurse or social carer? What about recognising our volunteers who put aside their own interests to care for others? What about those in armed forces, police and fire and rescue services, who look after our safety, sometimes at the cost of their own?
• Christmas in the Highlands can bring with it a myriad of transport problems. I remember one Christmas as an MP trying to get back north in one of the coldest winters of the decade. I was waiting at Gatwick for my flight to Inverness when the news came over the tannoy that Dalcross had closed. Next stop, flight to Aberdeen. Yes, you’ve guessed it – Aberdeen Airport closed.
My very efficient office manager Pam arranged for a booking on the night sleeper train. Quick about-turn on the Gatwick Express to the Commons and then on to Euston. I was then stuck on the train on the platform for three hours because of frozen points. Eventually, I arrived into Inverness station six hours late.
My car was at Dalcross so a taxi to the airport, to find the car was frozen solid and I had run out of de-icer. I was reduced to scraping the ice with an old and very sad Labour poster… much to the amusement of the airport HQ staff!
I did eventually arrive home, still dressed in a rather crushed business suit. However, after a shower, quick change and a stiff drink, I was back in the Christmas spirit.
Happy Christmas to all readers, and a special mention to all those (including politicians!) working over the festive period.