Councillors approve plans for riverside one-way scheme

Councillors have voted to progress plans that will introduce a new 20mph speed limit around the riverside area of Inverness as well as a new one-way system on the city’s Ness Walk and Bught Road.

At a meeting of the city of Inverness committee on Thursday members approved recommendations for the scheme, paving the way for the preparation of draft traffic regulation orders to implement the scheme.

Ballifeary Community Council had expressed anger over the proposals for the one-way system and launched an online petition opposing it.

They were backed by Inverness West ward councillor Bill Boyd who was adamant “there has been insufficient consultation with people living there” over the plans.

The proposals painted the scheme as one that would make the area “more accessible” and “more of a destination, with enhanced pedestrian and cycle connections”.

However, Ballifeary community councillor Andrew Smith said the plans had caused “a lot of upset” for residents because they know it will clog up the “already congested area” by compelling drivers to take a short cut along Ballifeary Lane to Ballifeary Road and re-join Bishop’s Road - thereby avoiding the scenic route by the Bught.

Speaking in the wake of councillors’ decision to press ahead with the plan he said: “We cannot understand why the council believes that any plan which increases traffic along Ballifeary Lane is acceptable.

“Ballifeary Lane is a narrow residential street, already at capacity with parked cars.

“Maple Court Hotel re-opens next year on Ballifeary Lane, which will have less than 30 spaces for both staff and guests of a 50 room hotel. It is expected to employ 60 people and will depend on coach access. Clearly Ballifeary Lane will be unable to cope.

“We have been encouraged in our opposition to these incomprehensible plans by the response to our online petition. In only two days, over 300 people signed the petition, and we thank them for this tremendous level of support.”

He added: “It is important to record that we welcome the aims of the Riverside Way plan.

"We are not opposed in any way to seeing improvements made, and we recognise that pedestrians and cyclists deserve a better and safer environment on Ness Walk.

“Elements of the proposals have our wholehearted support, such as the introduction of a 20mph zone.

“But the introduction of an ill-considered one-way scheme does not have the support of residents.

The Scottish Government and the Highland Council has placed great importance on local democracy. Community councils were established to give residents a voice in local affairs.

“We will continue in our efforts to get the voices of residents listened to, not dismissed as inconvenient."