Traffic flow rising in Inverness after huge drop
Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.
TRAFFIC flow in Inverness fell dramatically in the run-up to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s lockdown announcement on March 23, but has since shown modest increases.
Data from Highland Council mirrors a national picture described as a “source of concern” by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Ms Sturgeon praised Scotland’s response to lockdown, but warned people risked “devastating consequences” if they made unnecessary journeys.
Since March 23, traffic volume has begun to rise again nationally by five to 10 per cent in some areas, but remains at an unprecedented historic low.
As reported by the Courier on Tuesday, Highland Council is seeking to capitalise on a new £10 million Scottish Government-backed Spaces for People fund for temporary active travel routes as a template for future green transport improvements in Inverness. Crucial to that
will be a willingness to change travel habits permanently.
Highland Council figures show a sharp plunge in traffic from early March to March 23, before a gradual rise thereafter.
The average weekday daily traffic count at Inshes roundabout fell from 16,926 for the week beginning March 2 to 5797 from March 30, rising to 7198 for the week beginning April 27.
Similar patterns were found at Inshes flyover, Dores roundabout and the Inverness-Beauly road. Only the A862 Telford roundabout had sustained a low traffic volume.