Home   News   Article

Victory in Dingwall campaign over 'pointless' Highland Council traffic-calming measures many believe to be a hazard


By Scott Maclennan

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Allan Cameron, Charlie Thain and Gordon Seaton with councillor Graham Mackenzie at one of the traffic calming islands in the town. Picture: James Mackenzie
Allan Cameron, Charlie Thain and Gordon Seaton with councillor Graham Mackenzie at one of the traffic calming islands in the town. Picture: James Mackenzie

Dingwall residents are celebrating victory in a stand-off with Highland Council after the newly formed local area committee voted down "pointless" traffic calming measures that many believe to be a hazard.

Plans to install speed cushions on Burns Place –replacing unpopular traffic islands placed during the Covid pandemic – angered nearby residents who fear a surge in noise and air pollution.

An earlier council traffic survey logged more than 53,000 vehicle movements in a week – and locals say the measure simply increases congestion on a busy through road.

A people power campaign spearheaded by Charlie and Stuart Thain saw 400 people sign a petition opposing the move.

And now the newly formed Dingwall and Seaforth Committee has agreed – on the casting vote of its chairman.

Opponents of the measure say it is unnecessary and simply adds to congestion as well as creating more emissions and noise. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Opponents of the measure say it is unnecessary and simply adds to congestion as well as creating more emissions and noise. Picture: James Mackenzie.

While the four local councillors were split over whether to accept the plan, chairman Councillor Graham Mackenzie used his casting vote against it. He said: "At the area committee we decided that the best thing was not to agree to the plans as they stood.There were elements of the proposals for reducing the speed of traffic in the town that did find favour with the committee.

“However, there were other parts that provoked a strong negative reaction amongst many locals and we have to take that into consideration.We have Dingwall Community Council who were unanimously against traffic calming measures, particularly along Burns Place.

"Local residents launched a petition which got more than 400 signatories. I realise the council is under no obligation to take that on board but I as a local representative must consider local views.If we were to ignore that clear expression, there is the danger the public and community council may stop engaging with the council.

"I have stood in the council chamber many times and spoken in favour of localism and empowering communities - it is necessary to listen to those we represent."

Stuart Thain said: “Although the Highland Council have said that they will not count it, 400 is a substantial number of names for a town the size of Dingwall. I think the overwhelming objection to this is the environmental issues with emissions being a major factor in climate change."

Charlie Thain welcomed the development but warned the fight was not over, adding: “The council still have until December to decide what they will do next. It is a partial victory but what we have done is great, it is brilliant – but can you imagine the money they have wasted on this?

"If that was me in my job, I would be sacked. I just can’t understand how no one is accountable for this.”

Campaigners lobbied local MSP Kate Forbes. She said: “As a regular driver on Burn Place, it does seem an absurd place to put road bumps. It’s a busy road, so the queuing at Burn Place is often extensive. This isn’t the only strange road bump now in Dingwall, but it’s certainly one that I think should be reviewed.”

Residents slam speed bumps plan in wake of coronavirus pandemic

Call for action over Dingwall bypass route

Frustration over traffic islands measures in town


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More