Ness Bridge Consultation

The introduction of one-way traffic on Ness Walk, Inverness, won the unanimous support of local residents and business people, who attended a consultation meeting held on Wednesday 30 May at the Columba Hotel, with most preferring movement to be in the direction of Ness Bridge to the Cathedral.

They were all in favour of action that would help reduce traffic congestion outside their homes and businesses and enhance the environment on the riverside route on the west side of the River Ness, while retaining a reasonable number of short-stay parking bays.

The meeting was called by The Highland Council in response to representations made by local people after the introduction on Monday 21 May of one-way traffic in the direction of the Cathedral to the Ness Bridge.  Two-way movement was reinstated on Thursday 24 May in response to complaints surrounding the lack of notice of the change.

David Haas, Inverness City Manager, thanked residents and business people for attending the meeting and making their views so clearly known.

He said: “This consultation has been very worthwhile and has given the Council a steer as to future action.  Officials will present a report to the Council in the near future highlighting the concerns of local people to the one-way order we introduced on 21 May and their views on what they consider to be best for future traffic management in this area. It will be for the Council to review the matter and decide what future action should be taken.”

Two-way movement will continue until the matter is considered further by the Council.

Earlier, Council officials explained that Ness Walk was a feature of the £6 million Inverness Streetscape Scheme, leading the public from the city centre and the castle in the direction of the Cathedral and Eden Court Theatre and the Bught Park.