Strong reaction to Highland Council active travel proposals for Inverness city centre
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A controversial one-way system around Inverness Castle stands to be reinstated as part of a new active travel plan.
Highland Council’s economy committee is being asked to approve funding bids for a range of measures across the region.
As well as the one-way system – introduced as part of Covid safety measures but later scrapped by councillors after an outcry by many drivers and local businesses – the plan also includes proposals for the pedestrianisation of Queensgate, Union Street and Post Office Avenue in the city centre.
Reported by the Courier the proposal particularly to bring back the one-way system provoked strong reaction from readers.
Tania Korad Kennedy said: “As a business owner in the Castle Street I can say there has been no discussion with us. Really impacted business before. I am sure it will again!”
Charles Bannerman said: "Inverness is slowly sinking into the ground and all the council can do is to try to revive ridiculous wheezes that they’ve already rejected…to great public acclaim."
In reference to the red and white barriers that became a familiar sight to city drivers on key city routes during Covid restrictions he added: "Scrapping the Lego Brick Road is about the only sensible thing they’ve done of late.”
Tiffer Forbes made a call for action: “Just remember we, all the public, voted these people in, so you can vote them out.”
In similar terms Frank A Mackenzie asked: “Can we withhold our council tax or raise a vote of no confidence in the council (Clowncil)?” –
And Lottie M Lottie attacked those behind the list of possible new active travel measures: “Isn’t the town difficult enough as it is," she asked. "Some pen pusher has too much time on their hands.”
Kim Corbett queried whether active travel measures were right for the city centre in any form.
“The idea of people ‘actively travelling’ into a city centre offering retail is a complete joke," she said.
"Do people on foot or cycling carry much shopping home with them?
"Isn’t it strange that the only streets the council actually want traffic on is around their new tourist attraction, the castle. They’ll be the death of the city centre.”
Hugh Morgan said: “One-way system didn’t work first time round. What makes them think it could work a second time round.”
Willie Morrison simply exclaimed: “Here we go again!”
While the weight of reaction to the proposals online was overwhelmingly negative there were one or two who responded more positively.
“I personally think it’s a great idea!!!” Michael Cameron said.
And Peter Hogg posted: “Great news I can cycle my bike in peace.”
