Drakies residents voice fears over rat runs
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TRAFFIC congestion and inconsiderate parking have prompted fears of a fatal accident waiting to happen in an Inverness residential area.
Residents in Drakies have raised concerns with Millburn councillor Isobel MacKenzie who says speeding motorists are using the streets in the neighbourhood and also around Millburn Academy as rat runs.
She felt there was a particular problem in Old Perth Road opposite Raigmore Hospital as motorists avoided the adjacent B9006 but also parked their cars there if they could not find space in the hospital grounds.
“It’s a stupid situation where people are parking selfishly,” she said.
“There is going to be a fatality. I am trying to see if there is some remedy. It is so frustrating.
“There must be some near misses – I’m surprised no one has had a prang.”
Cllr MacKenzie, who has raised her concerns with community police, is asking measures such as double yellow lines on bends and new signs.
She also wants to see more people cycling and walking and feels the issues mirror wider traffic problems across the city.
“There are too many cars around Inverness speeding and impatient drivers lacking respect for others,” she said.
“We should all try to be mindful of others. If you are in a hurry, it’s because you left late.”
She felt the volume of cars around Millburn Academy at peak morning and afternoon times was also worrying.
Cllr MacKenzie, who has received complaints from nearby residents, said motorists were trying to avoid busier roads and parents were also dropping their children off at school.
“There is too much congestion and it is rippling out,” she said.
“We should be looking to see if we can have safer routes.
“It is better if we can have children being able to get to and from school walking or cycling, or taking a bus if that is appropriate.”
She hoped the school could be considered for a pilot project on air quality improvement to be run by Highland Council’s road safety and environment health officers.
