Cllr calls for new parking restrictions
A Highland ward councillor has called on a remote rural road to be designated an ‘urban clearway’.
Councillor Mike Williamson has suggested that the Glenlyon road, C448, should have an order prohibiting vehicles from parking on the road.
He has asked for feedback from locals and there has been is a range of reactions.
The C448 has a number of pressure points where visitors and hillwalkers leave their vehicles at the roadside and go off for the day.
On several occasions the car-lined verge at Invervar has led to fears that emergency services on a callout would not get through.
Cllr Williamson reckons his idea could be tailored to meet local needs, with cars banned part of the day or on particular days. Places where visitors are encouraged to stop and park, like the tearoom at Bridge of Balgie, could be kept outside the clearway ruling.
However, local reaction to the suggestion has been mixed.
Jeannie Grant said: “The situation at Invervar is unreasonable and unsafe. Although police/fire/ ambulance would just ram through [where there was an obstruction], normal cars wouldn’t be allowed to do that.
“I think the idea of an urban clearway would help police, but I am not 100 per cent sure it’s the solution to the issues in the Glen.”
A resident couple from
Fortingall Michael and Elaine Buchanan cautioned: “Presumably we want to encourage tourists to visit, stay in and enjoy Glenlyon (and thereby support the local economy), rather than discourage them. But we want to ensure that they do not adversely affect local activity, estate management, farming, forestry et al.
“If the problem is onroad parking at one or two particular points along the Glen, then an urban clearway designation seems a peculiar idea. Urban clearways are intended for high-density urban areas and usually restricted to rush hours. They don’t prevent parking on the road outside specified busy periods, or at night.
“A formal designation such as this would further add to the proliferation of signage and visual clutter in this otherwise unspoilt rural area.
“Surely the simplest answer is to create more parking places off road rather than impose a blanket restriction along the entire length of the road.”
Inconsiderate drivers were more of an issue for Feyola Blah: “I have an issue with the driving and speed of cars. Tourists tend to not really know what to do when they meet another car or consider their speed. Near misses I could do without.”
Judith Delin was not so keen: “An urban clearway means nobody can stop, anywhere, except in an emergency. It’s a sledgehammer to crack a nut.”
But another Invervar resident spoke up, saying:“The road is unsafe and there are no toilet facilities or rubbish bins. Also, a lot of us are still shielding for COVID-19 or are high risk and getting efficient deliveries from various generous local businesses is important.
“At least for this summer, I consider this a very sensible proposal and we should look after our own local community first.”