Roundabout Sponsorship Agreed

Highland Councillors have approved the general principle for introducing roundabout sponsorship in Inverness within 40 mph (or lower) speed restriction zones – subject to safeguards relating to road safety and the nature of the sponsorship.

Roundabouts are to be given unique names decided by the Council’s Inverness City Committee or Ward Members and a further sign is to be provided, promoting the name of the sponsor.

Members of the Transport Environmental and Community Services heard that the benefits from sponsorship will come from increased income, which will lead to an improved level of maintenance and improved local amenity.

The naming of roundabouts would also provide helpful identification for motorists.

Road safety was of paramount importance and signage would be modest to avoid driver distraction.  The sponsor’s business interests should not conflict with the principles and objectives of the Council or cause the Council embarrassment.

The signs would comply with the requirements of the Council’s Gaelic Plan and sponsors would be encouraged to consider the use of Gaelic on their advertising.

It is proposed that bids would be invited for sponsored roundabouts on the basis that each would have a reserve price.  Deals would run from between three and five years.

Councillor John Laing, Chairman of the TEC Services Committee, said the Council had investigated roundabout sponsorship in response to approaches from local businesses.  He said: “The idea has met with a positive reaction from councillors and our Service will now take this forward.”