Inverness remains bitterly divided over active travel measures in the city centre as polls offer contrasting results amid an outpouring of opinion from readers
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THE majority of people who responded to a poll by the Inverness Courier do not want to see the Spaces for People measures become a permanent feature of the city centre.
Asked for their views before the Inverness city committee voted on the matter, almost three quarters of those who responded opposed the interventions.
A total of 793 votes (74 per cent) were cast against the scheme, with just 280 votes (26 per cent) in favour.
The findings are in stark contrast to the council’s own online survey which continues to gather views on the four main city centre schemes individually and has seen majority support for the measures.
Comments on the Courier’s social media accounts have also been divided between those who want to see the schemes gone as soon as possible and others who believe they are the beginning of a better, more environmentally friendly future for the city.
Among a wide range of people who commented, Patrick McCairn, from Raigmore, said: “The thought of pedal bikes using the majority of our roads is bad enough as the cyclists are not insured to use the roads, so why are they allowed to use them, but larger spaces for pedestrians?
“Come on, are you trying to tell us that people haven’t adapted, improvised or even overcome the problems that they may come across when walking into the city centre?
“There are things called pavements for the pedestrian to use, so let them use it and give the vehicle users their roads back.”
Patricia Hanna, however, said: “We must take this forward not back.
“[It’s] important for Inverness populations’ health and wellbeing to encourage other forms of transport on the roads.
“Let Inverness blaze the way in active travel.”
Cameron Cumming branded Millburn Road a “disgrace”, saying hardly anyone used the cycle lane there while drivers had to contend with potholes in the lanes reserved for them.
“The whole system has made a total mess of the town and you’re trying to get people to visit and shop,” he said. “Get your act together Highland Council.”
Shona Mcrae said: “I don’t want these bollards to be made permanent.
“I was sitting in a car at traffic lights and witnessed an old person tripping up and falling because of them.
“They are unsightly and a safety hazard.”
And Roddy Cameron said: “Not sure why people have been asked to respond to anything the council decides on – they don’t listen to the community and just do what they want.”
That contrasts sharply with what Highland Council found as the majority of people who have responded to the Spaces for People measures through its own channels are in favour of the scheme.
An online survey has been in place for public comment since May last year and remains open.
To date, when asked if they agree with the Spaces for People interventions at Inverness Castle, Academy Street, Riverside Way (Castle Road) and Millburn Road the majority of people have answered yes – with votes of 57 per cent, 60 per cent, 75 per cent and 73 per cent respectively.
You can access the council's Spaces For People online consultation portal for Inverness interventions here
While the results from the Courier's poll are located clicking here
