MAREE TODD: North Coast 500 must be benefit our communities, not damage them
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Holyrood Notebook by Maree Todd
It’s extremely disappointing to read the reports of speeding vehicles and dangerous driving along the North Coast 500 route.
I was really troubled to hear from locals in Kinlochbervie, Scourie and Durness last month, who reported reckless driving through the villages by a convoy of vehicles travelling as part of an organised car tour.
On contacting Police Scotland, I was assured that drivers were stopped and spoken to at length, with one individual charged with careless and inconsiderate driving.
It’s incredibly worrying to hear of tour organisers enabling irresponsible behaviour on our Highland roads. I hope they will take the opportunity to reflect on their role and consider how their actions could lead to devastating consequences.
The NC500 is a spectacular way of exploring the north Highlands, but drivers should be cautious on our narrow and windy roads and be respectful of our communities.
I’m grateful to Police Scotland for their response to this incident and for their assurance that the NC500 remains a top priority for their daily patrols. However, I am sympathetic to locals who feel that the NC500 is often treated as a racetrack.
Folk live in these communities, and they rightly expect visitors to be considerate, drive safely and follow the speed limit. It’s vital that we address this, with all relevant stakeholders working together to promote responsible driving behaviour and safety along the route.
I know that irresponsible parking, especially from motorhome users, also causes disruption to locals during the busy summer months. Education and awareness are crucial in addressing this and whilst I believe the Highland Council’s access rangers are making a positive difference, their efforts appear to be hindered by misleading information promoted by certain motorhome hiring companies.
I’ve become aware of several companies who are advertising wild camping spots in the Highlands as suitable for motorhomes and caravans. We know that the term "wild camping" relates specifically to camping with a tent, not a motorhome. I have written to the companies concerned to remind them of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and ask that they consider incorporating guidance on responsible parking into future communications with customers.
Scotland is fortunate to have the "right to roam" which grants people the freedom to access and enjoy the countryside, so it’s disheartening to hear of this privilege being abused or taken advantage of.
Infrastructure upgrades along the route also play an important role in minimising the impact on local communities. Thanks to the support of the Scottish Government’s rural infrastructure fund, the Highland Council has been able to upgrade toilet facilities, expand car parks, improve accessibility, and install waste disposal facilities along the route.
Though I recognise there is more work to do, these improvements have helped support the rise in visitor numbers, reduce the disruption to communities and protect the environment.
Whilst tourism makes a significant economic contribution to the Highlands, this should never be to the detriment of local communities. I want to see the communities in my constituency benefit from the NC500 as I appreciate that right now, many feel that they are not.
I would like to see us adopt a more sustainable approach, where we encourage drivers to slow down, take in our beautiful scenery and spend time in our communities. This would help to alleviate the pressure on our roads, generate more income for businesses and contribute to the overall growth of our local economy.
- Maree Todd is the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.
