North Coast 500 needs its own taskforce, says north councillor Hugh Morrison
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A Highland councillor has called for a taskforce to prevent a repeat of this year's summer of turmoil around the NC500 road trip route.
Hugh Morrison, who represents North, West and Central Sutherland, said the time to act was now before the problems are repeated next year.
He has suggested a range of measures including more police, rangers with enforcement powers, extra toilets and camping facilities.
"There are more camper vans and motor homes on the route now than there was in August," said Mr Morrison, who also runs the Smoo Cave Hotel at Durness.
"Unfortunately some of the occupants have not behaved that well. In fact there have been cases of wild toileting even in the centre of our village.
"We know the problems, now is the time to act - we cannot wait until November when we will have just a four month window."
There have been constant complaints by locals around the 516 mile route of wild toileting, abandoned tents, parking in single track passing places, littering and other abuses.
North West Sutherland has the largest single police beat in the country - with just one resident officer covering 900 square miles.
"There needs to be action now. This cannot be repeated next year. We need more police, rangers with enhanced powers - particularly over traffic enforcement - more spaces for camper vans, more chemical toilets, improved sign-age and better education for visitors," said Mr Morrison.
"This season took people by surprise and you cannot tar everybody with the same brush. Many visitors have been very well behaved and respectful. But the minority have spoilt it. We now have had the experience of this year and we cannot have a repeat.
"The Scottish and UK governments have to come up with extra money and there has to be a united approach to the problem that has the support of community councils, Highland Council and others. I have been talking to those involved and stressed this needs action now not later."
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