Protocol Approved for Inverness Canal Bridges

21st March 2009

An improved protocol to manage the opening times for the Canal swing bridges at Tomnahurich and Muirtown, Inverness was approved at The Highland Council's TEC Services Committee (19 March). The protocol will be implemented by British Waterways Scotland this Spring.

Members also unanimously welcomed plans to install real-time bus information at both swing bridges. This new system will allow bridge operators to identify the location of approaching buses in real-time on the road network and make informed decisions as to when opening the bridges would have the least impact on public transport services.

A variety of new measures to improve the communication and operation of the protocol were also given support from members, including:

· advertising in the local press and online;

· installing road signage; and

· continued partnership working between British Waterways Sotland, Transport Scotland and The Highland Council.

Councillor John Laing, Chairman of The Highland Council's TEC Services Committee said: "This is a huge success for local democracy taking place in the communities most affected by the canal closures. I commend the Councillors for Inverness West who have worked very hard consulting the public through their Ward Forums and I thank British Waterways Scotland for their joint working through this consultation process."

The improved protocol was warmly welcomed by local Councillor Alex Graham who said: "These changes will make travel easier at peak times, and reduce the traffic tailbacks which are a feature of the rush hour in the city."

He paid tribute to the team work between British Waterways Scotland, Council staff and Ward colleagues and local residents which made the agreement possible. He added: "It was a first class exercise and one of the best uses of the new Ward Forum system we have seen so far."

Local Ward member Councillor Pauline Munro said: "While this is a great step forward, it's only the beginning pf the process. The Highland Council, British Waterways Scotland and the community will keep a close eye on how this works out over the coming months, indeed years. Keeping and open dialogue with British Waterways Scotland will ensure that the Protocol has a real chance to make an improvement on many local lives."

David Lamont, British Waterways Scotland said: "We are pleased a suitable solution to the transport issues at the Muirtown and Tomnahurich swing bridges in Inverness has been found through collaborative working. The proposed changes will benefit all users, and strikes the correct balance between the demands of the road network and the canal, both of which are vital to the Inverness and Highland community and economy in which we play a key role."