YOUR VIEWS: The pros and cons of Academy Street, Inverness changes

As work continues on developing a plan for reducing traffic on Academy Street the chairwoman of Visit Inverness Loch Ness, Jo De Sylva – not a fan of the plans as they stand – suggested the council trial the scheme to see how it works in practice. Her comments sparked more debate on the scheme.

“Who thinks up those ludicrous plans, sitting at a desk it’s easy but it’s folks livliehoods for shops here.” – Derek Bremner

“Derek Bremner, lol! Not sure I get your point here? I think they’re trying to encourage footfall and this can only help that. Right now it’s the pits and definitely needs this.” – Simon Campbell

“Derek Bremner, folk going to Academy Street by car are only passing through it. If you are actually going to Academy Street you are going there by foot or bus, both of which will be easier under the proposal.” – Robert G Strawhorn

“Derek Bremner, why will people stop going?” – Brian M Geddes

“No matter which direction along Academy Street, “wheelers” are going to end up at the same jam packed roundabouts and junctions and will be dangerously hopping off the road onto the pavement to continue their journey. All of the surrounding streets in residential areas will undoubtedly see an increase in traffic and pollution. Why isn’t Telford Street the main focus? It has far higher pollution levels and runs straight through two densely populated residential areas. It should be a concern to anyone who claims to care about pollution but it isn’t. The council has everyone fixated on Academy Street because that’s their latest centric vanity project. The further north you go in our region the worse the services and amenities are for the people living there. As usual, the council simply turn a blind eye to the desperately needed necessities and waste funds on aesthetics during the worst cost of living crisis since the 70s. Just remember folks, there won’t be a reduction in traffic or pollution, there will be an increase of both in Crown and Merkinch.” – Kim Corbett

“Folk will moan about absolutely anything. This is a cracking idea. Makes the street look like a place you want to visit rather than akin to somewhere in Yugoslavia in ‘99.” – Conor Cheyne

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