Questions over bid for new Academy Street layout as more than 300 people respond to the consultation from Highland Council with views ranging from 'delighted' to 'not fit for purpose'
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The biggest change to Academy Street in Inverness for decades has sparked a significant public reaction to the consultation launched by Highland Council – with more than 300 people responding so far.
The council is aiming to deal with congestion and pollution issues on what is one of the main thoroughfares in the city by increasing the size of pavements in the hope of making it more pedestrian and cycle friendly.
A variety of responses have been submitted, ranging from the very positive to the critical, as some motorists and cyclists have both been left unsatisfied.
The Politician
MSP Emma Roddick, a former Inverness Central ward Highland councillor, believes Inverness still “has a long way to go,” saying: “The important part about this consultation is that it is a consultation – folk have the opportunity to feed in.
“I have my own thoughts about where we could do even more than what is proposed but the fact remains that Academy Street right now is polluted, difficult to navigate, and a generally poor welcome to the city for those coming off a train or leaving the bus station. Inverness has a long way to go to reflect those priorities and we have to start somewhere.”
The Councillors
Active travel and disabilities campaigner Councillor Emma Knox said: “I am delighted to see that the council is consulting on the plans to make Academy Street a more accessible, attractive and safer space for everyone.
“We fought hard to retain the Spaces for People measures in Academy Street, one of the most-polluted streets in the Highlands. I am disappointed that initial plans seem to provide shared spaces rather than dedicated active travel lanes and I am eager to ensure that there is genuine direct consultation with disability groups and people with lived-experience of different disabilities.”
SNP Central Ward Cllr Kate Stephen said: "I have responded favourably to the consultation. Personally I think there should be more trees, but I‘m also aware that these might cause challenges to people with mobility issues.
"Increasing the ambience and decreasing the traffic will contribute towards active travel in the City centre, and bring extra business as tourists and locals alike are likely to walk a bit further away from High Street."
Community Council
Crown and City Centre Community Council chairwoman Fiona MacBeath was “delighted” at the proposed improvements but expressed a number of practical concerns.
“While the artist’s impressions look extremely attractive visually, I would have some concerns on practical points that should apply to a city centre street.
"One of these is that emergency services should be able to get straight through traffic. I have witnessed ambulances held stationary, blue lights and sirens going, while congested traffic is unable to move aside.
"Emissions on Academy Street were a problem. If pedestrianisation increases with more crossings, while lane width is restricted, will traffic be forced stationary longer, emissions may just get worse not better?
"Traffic needs to be free flowing so passengers can still get to shops and this does not contribute to the demise of town centre retail.
"Inverness will welcome an upgrade to one of its main streets but I feel at this time we should be mindful of these concerns in order to ensure the best outcome.”
Activist
Owen, aged 13, from Kidical Mass – one of the main pro-cycling groups in Inverness – said: “On Academy Street at the moment I usually go on the pavement because the roads are busy and I don’t like it. If the pavement was wider and the road narrower that wouldn’t change.
“If there was a cycle lane I would use it because it would be quicker to get where I want to go.
“The proposals for Academy Street are not significantly different from the current set up, besides being visually better.
“It won't be better for cyclists, who will still be in constant conflict with cars, and therefore not a safe place for kids to cycle to school or to the shops or leisure activities. And if it isn't suitable for kids, it isn't fit for purpose.
“It won’t be better for cyclists, who will still be in constant conflict with cars, and therefore not a safe place for kids to cycle to school or to the shops or leisure activities. And if it isn’t suitable for kids, it isn’t fit for purpose.”
