MSP Kate Forbes has called for Highland Council to step up efforts to improve road safety at a speeding hotspot with several drivers clocking over 100mph.
The Highland MSP has said the results from the local authority’s speed survey on the 60mph B9161 at Bogallan - a short distance from the Munlochy Junction – could not be ignored.
The speed survey took place earlier this year and showed a number of alarming statistics about all southbound traffic – a daily base of more than 2200 vehicles heading to Inverness from Munlochy.
It found:
- 51% were breaking the 60mph speed limit
- 30% breaking 65mph
- 15% breaking 70mph
- 6% breaking 75mph
- Almost 70 cars travelling at over 80mph each day
- An average of 21 cars travelled at 90mph each day
- Five cars each day broke 100mph
- The top speed recorded was 120mph
Forbes commented: “I have been an MSP for seven-and-a-half-years and I have never seen speed survey data recording over half of all traffic as speeding – that shows the scale of the problem at Bogallan and why Highland Council must take action. No wonder the residents are at their wits’ end.
“I spoke with some of the residents at their homes, and it became very clear very quickly how difficult it is for them to access their properties – especially when so many road users heading into Inverness are already breaking the speed limit.
“The residents have told me that the council have been very slow to do anything, but I would sincerely hope the results of this speed survey cannot be ignored. A failure to act will put lives at risk.”
Forbes (below) added that she had “raised the situation with Police Scotland” who told her there is “no safe space on this stretch of road” to carry out road safety checks.
“The B9161 is the main artery for most Black Isle traffic heading to and from Inverness, and it’s an area that’s seen a significant population growth in recent times,” the MSP said.
“The council must take swift action to improve road safety, and I hope a speed limit reduction as well as other measures like increased signage can be considered as quickly as possible.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Road safety is a priority for Police Scotland and both local officers along with specialist colleagues in Roads Policing routinely carry out patrols to enforce speed limits and act as a deterrent.
“We have been made aware of speeding concerns on the B961. We have been and will continue to patrol this road and carry out speed enforcement where appropriate.
“We cannot stress the importance of our message to all drivers that they must take responsibility for their own actions behind the wheel, observe the speed limits and be considerate to others.
“Anyone with concerns about speeding can call Police Scotland on 101 or speak to any police officer.”
