Mull motorists asked to be single minded
Drivers new to Mull’s roads are being encouraged to have a ‘single-track’ mind.
A safe driving guide produced by islanders ready for the start of the tourist season will be handed out by CalMac before cars board its ferries bound for Craignure, Tobermory and Fishnish from the mainland.
Campervans are also being singled out for a leaflet of their own and a helpful driving rules video has been made to show onboard the Isle of Mull vessel.
Locals are hoping the Driving On Mull leaflets will help ease islanders’ and visitors’ frustration caused by some drivers who use passing places as parking spots and as opportunities for selfie stops which can be ‘an absolute nightmare’, according to Neal Goldsmith, a hotelier and a member of CalMac Communities Board.
‘We all want people to come and enjoy Mull but there are just a few rules to driving that will make everyone’s life a lot easier. You get people stopping in passing places to take photos, using them as parking spots and it can cause all sorts of problems. It can be an absolute nightmare. What should be a shortish journey can take a couple of hours.
‘CalMac has assured us that drivers will be handed the leaflets before they get to the boats so presumably that means in the ferry queues at the marshalling area or when they pull in to get their tickets from the kiosk.
‘This has been a collaboration between Marketing Mull and Iona, Iona and Mull Ferry Committee and Mull Community Council. It’s all about educating people. If everyone knows how to drive on the island’s roads, then it will all flow a lot better.
‘We also ask people to remember the people who live and work on the island. So if you are driving along at 25mph enjoying the scenery, please enjoy it but be aware there might be someone behind you who could be going home, to an appointment or work and safely let them pass.
‘We’re not saying the leaflets will fix everything but it’s a start. Education is the best way to inform people. Not everyone will take notice of the leaflets but hopefully most drivers will.’
Islanders are also producing a leaflet for campervans and motorhomes, giving advice on the roads network, where to camp up and where to get rid of waste water.
Colin Morrison, who is chairman of Marketing Mull and Iona, the destination marketing organisation for the islands, said: ‘It is great that Caledonian Macbrayne are working with the people of Mull and Iona to improve things during our busy summer months.
‘We are really happy to work with the community council, the Community Trust and the ferry committee to produce these two leaflets, helping drivers who may rarely encounter single-track roads to understand how to use them.’
To watch the video go to mullroads.co.uk