TRANSPORT New lights sequence to ease traffic congestion

Changes to the sequence of controversial traffic lights at an Inverness bottleneck junction are to come into affect today in a bid to prevent regular gridlock.

Timings of the signals at the notorious Longman Roundabout have now changed as part of a trial which aims to help the traffic flow.

The changes will be closely monitored by roads agency Transport Scotland and Highland Council.

Transport chairman Allan Henderson has welcomed the move and is optimistic it will help reduce delays for motorists left regularly frustrated at one of the north’s busiest junctions.

The lights were introduced a few years ago at the time of major roadworks to upgrade the Kessock Bridge.

Regional Labour MSP David Stewart, who has campaigned on a raft of road safety issues in recent years, has also welcomed the adjustment.

“There had been a lot of debates about this issue in and around Inverness and by road users from across Scotland who utilise this junction,” he said.

“Transport Minister Humza Yousaf MSP has confirmed the outcomes of traffic modelling at the roundabout have shown that amending the timings will offer the most efficient solution to the queuing and delays being experienced.”

Mr Stewart said he was advised by Transport Scotland last year that extensive surveys were carried out before, during and after the installation of the lights at the roundabout and the timings of the lights “were set accordingly”.

He added: “We’ve now moved to the position that they are to change the timings to speed up traffic flow in an effort to be more efficient, ease congestion and improve traffic flow.”