Speed survey shocker spurs Black Isle road safety action demand as dangerous route back in spotlight
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BLACK Isle residents forced to jump out of the way of traffic in fear for their lives are being backed by their MSP after heartfelt demands for action fell on deaf ears.
The shocking results of a speed survey on the precarious B9161 – one of the best used routes through the Black Isle – revealed more than HALF of all traffic breaking the 60mph speed limit, scores more vehicles routinely exceeding 80mph – and one clocked at a top speed of 120mph.
Kate Forbes MSP has called for Highland Council to step up efforts to improve road safety after the local authority’s OWN survey showed deeply concerning results.
The MSP said the results from Highland Council’s speed survey on the 60mph B9161 at Bogallan – a short distance from the notorious Munlochy Junction – could not be ignored and endorsed local residents’ concerns that more had to be done.
The council’s speed survey, which took place earlier this year, showed all southbound traffic (daily base of over 2200 vehicles heading to Inverness from Munlochy) data between September 6-12 as:
- 51 per cent breaking the 60mph speed limit
- 30 per cent breaking 65mph
- 15 per cent breaking 70mph
- 6 per cent breaking 75mph
- Almost 70 cars travelling at over 80mph each day
- An average of 21 cars travelled at over 90mph each day
- Five cars each day broke 100mph
- The top speed recorded was 120mph
'I have never seen speed survey data recording over half of all traffic as speeding – that shows the scale of the problem at Bogallan and why Highland Council must take action. No wonder the residents are at their wits’ end.'
- Kate Forbes MSP
Ms Forbes said: “I have been an MSP for seven-and-a-half-years and I have never seen speed survey data recording over half of all traffic as speeding – that shows the scale of the problem at Bogallan and why Highland Council must take action. No wonder the residents are at their wits’ end.
“I spoke with some of the residents at their homes, and it became clear very quickly how difficult it is for them to access their properties – especially when the majority of road users heading into Inverness are already breaking the speed limit.
“The residents have told me that the council have been very slow to do anything, but I would sincerely hope the results of this speed survey cannot be ignored. A failure to act will put lives at risk.
“I have also raised the situation with Police Scotland, who tell me there is no safe space on this stretch of road for them to carry out road safety checks. This is most unfortunate.
“The B9161 is the main artery for most Black Isle traffic heading to and from Inverness, and it’s an area that’s seen a significant population growth in recent times.
“The council must take swift action to improve road safety, and I hope a speed limit reduction as well as other measures like increased signage can be considered as quickly as possible.”
One local resident, Steve Green, said: "I think there's element of negligence if they have these figures and do nothing. Some, not all, vehicles give no leeway to pedestrians. I've had to jump out of the way of an oncoming car and had my arm clipped by a wing mirror. Lots of other people have their own stories."
He said it had taken a long time to get the survey done and the results released and feels it is not acceptable that the results are not acted on.
Highland Council was approached for comment but did not respond.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Road safety is a priority for Police Scotland and both local officers along with specialist colleagues in Roads Policing routinely carry out patrols to enforce speed limits and act as a deterrent.
“We have been made aware of speeding concerns on the B9161. We have been and will continue to patrol this road and carry out speed enforcement where appropriate.
“We cannot stress the importance of our message to all drivers that they must take responsibility for their own actions behind the wheel, observe the speed limits and be considerate to others.
“Anyone with concerns about speeding can call Police Scotland on 101 or speak to any police officer.”
