North MSP looks for resolution to some concerns being raised re NC500

21st July 2016

Highlands & Islands (Labour) MSP and road safety campaigner, David Stewart has intervened with regards to the divided opinions in relation to the so called NC500 route.

The North Coast 500 (NC500) is deemed by many to be Scotland's answer to the legendary Route 66. Stretching for 500miles, this route meanders around the North West Coast of Scotland beginning in Inverness, heading West towards Kyle of Lochalsh, up the scenic west coast to Durness and across the most northerly stretch to John O'Groats then back down to Inverness again.

"Whilst out visiting communities across the Highlands and Islands I have heard positive and negative comments relating to the impact of this new route. On the one hand we have the massive influx of tourists travelling this route, creating a boost to the local economies in so many ways. However, on the other hand we have some in the local communities frustrated at the long tail backs, congestion and road safety issues related to those travelling along this now iconic 500 miles", said David Stewart

He went on to say "having been heavily involved in road safety for the past six and a half years, I am concerned about some of the incidents that I hear of along this route. Much of the road is single carriageway. So we have the scenario of being ‘between a rock and a hard place’. The boost to the local economy through increased tourism is surely to be welcomed, but some thought needs to be applied to how we balance this against those working and living within the local community who feel in some ways they are impeded and unable to go about their day to day business because of at times, chronic congestion on this route."

David Stewart went on “ Perhaps the regulatory authorities and the relevant multi agencies within the Highlands are looking at this issue from all angles, with a view to taking advantage of the many benefits this new route has created, whilst at the same time making it safer and less congested for others. In order to ascertain if this is indeed happening, I intend writing to Highland Council, Visit Scotland, Police Scotland and the Highland Community Planning Partnership asking if a strategic Plan has been looked at with regard to the NC500 and if so, the authorities action with regard to it’s obviously fast paced development.”

“Depending on the response I get, it will determine the next course of action. However, in any case I really think that here we have a brilliant concept right on our doorstep that can really be developed in such a way that all in our scattered and rural communities can benefit from in so many ways. What we have to do is try and achieve balance between the needs and the demands of the tourist industry and the culture and daily business needs of those working and resident in these communities. We surely have to look at infrastructure such as the actual roads travelled. Do we need a safety guide for those using the route which should compliment our highway code and Road Traffic Acts with regards to rules and regulations ie ‘use passing places to permit overtaking’. Do we need to prioritise repairs and improvements to the road. Is there sufficient adequate signage, what about accommodation and eating establishments. There is so much to look at with regards to this issue that I do not want to miss an opportunity, particularly for those communities directly affected by the NC500, that I think those who can make improvements, changes, address concerns and market this route to the benefit of all, should sit down round a table and come up with a five and 10 year strategic plan for the safe development of route NC500. If nothing has happened so far, then I am more than willing to host such a meeting”