Debate rumbles on over 'temporary' Dingwall traffic island as Highland Council responds to public outcry
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A CONTENTIOUS traffic island in Ross-shire's county town will be moved – but not removed – in response to a public outcry.
Traffic islands were included in two parts of Dingwall as part of a programme of "interventions" aimed at encouraging active travel and social distancing as part of the Scottish Government’s Spaces for People project.
The temporary infrastructure programme aims to make it safer for people who choose to walk or cycle while physical distancing is in place.
Dingwall's share of a pot secured by Highland Council has funded the introduction of a 20mph scheme and traffic islands on Back Road and opposite the police station. Highland Council says that "following some comments about the works taking place in Dingwall, a review, including local members is under way".
The Back Road traffic island has proved particularly contentious with local ward councillors split over calls to remove it entirely, some locals critical of its siting close to a corner and others warning it could result in gridlock on the busy route to the town's secondary and primary schools.
An opinion poll carried out on a local online forum found the vast majority opposed to it.
One of the ward councillors, Graham Mackenzie, said the measure had prompted one of the biggest postbags he can recall since the latest bid to introduce parking charges in the town.
Head of infrastructure Colin Howell said all actions taken under Spaces for People are "progressed under temporary powers " and can be amended quickly. He said: "20mph signs in isolation are not sufficient to reduce traffic speeds and change driver behaviour which is why traffic management measures are vital to the success of 20mph areas."
He said changes are being made in response to comments and concerns. He said: "This proves that our process of rapid roll out and reacting to comment is working and we are thankful for the feedback and encourage engagement with all of our interventions.”
The traffic island on Back Road will be moved nine metres away from a corner it currently sits on. The council says; "The new location will mean that drivers at the give way will have a clear line of sight towards the junction with the A834 Strathpeffer Road and benefit from improved visibility on the approach."
Karen Forsyth earlier summed up the feeling of many on a local online noticeboard: "If there is information that shows how this assists social distancing it would be very interesting to be able to see it. It feels like the council are spending money for the sake of using up a budget rather than putting any thought into how to use it to make a real difference."
Steven Walken fears the island at the police station could impede emergency services saying speed bumps work just as well and allow safe manoeuvre to the side to allow emergency services safe passage. Shona Dryburgh said: "Come on council, admit you got it wrong."
Cllr Graham Mackenzie, opposed to the traffic island, believes there are worse areas that could be tackled and admitted many locally felt it has been imposed without consultation.
Fellow ward councillor Alister Mackinnon said specialist engineers had led on the project and noted that speed signs alone "just don't work". He said: "We want to encourage pedestrians and cyclists and perhaps we haven't yet heard the voices of those who will benefit."
It's understood the measures in place will be monitored and that a report will go back to an area committee later in the year.
Comments can be made at https://consult.highland.gov.uk/kse/
Related: Dingwall traffic calming measures spark call for a review
