Concerns raised over shortcut in Wick after 12 vehicles seen flouting rules in 30-minute period
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Concerns have been raised over drivers continuing to use a shortcut through Wick town centre despite a warning from a sheriff that the route is "not legal".
Cars are said to regularly travel through the pedestrian zone and police and a local Highland councillor said they were aware of the problem.
During a 30-minute visit to the area on Saturday, the John O'Groat Journal observed 15 vehicles travelling through Wick's Market Square. Three drivers were identified as either disabled and parking up or using the route to pick up or drop off goods – which the restrictions allow for.
However, 12 vehicles, including a motorhome, drove straight through from the Camps area to link up with Bridge Street and High Street, despite the signs making it clear there should be no motor vehicles except for loading and disabled access.
In May, Tony McPhee from Castletown was fined £65 at Wick Sheriff Court for failing to comply with the restriction. Sheriff Andrew Berry said in court at the time: "It is a route that I have seen many, many local people take" but added that people using it should take note that it is not a legal shortcut.
Wick and east Caithness councillor Raymond Bremner said that the problem of vehicle drivers using the precinct as a thoroughfare has "caused pedestrians concern for some time".
"I have seen the number of vehicles that do this from the windows of Caithness House [Highland Council office] and whilst having a coffee in one of the local cafés. It was one of the points continually raised when we were looking at the street redesign concept recently."
One trader in the street said that cars can sometimes travel along the route "at some speed". They said: "I'm not so bothered about the traffic going through but it's the speed that they go at. Because it's a pedestrian precinct, it should be 10mph.
"There's no distinction between pavement and road and it's not a safe zone. I feel that people are abusing it and there's no need for the volume of traffic going through."
Regarding seeking a solution to the issue, Councillor Bremner said: "A number of ways to look at reducing vehicles using the precinct as a thoroughfare have been looked at, including traffic enforcement and the installation of traffic bollards which can be raised and lowered to allow legitimate access for those needing it.
"I hope that the ideas that have been put forward can be implemented as soon as possible to make the area safer for pedestrians at the same time as allowing those who need access to have that facility."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said this week that local officers were "aware of the matter and looking into it".
- All registration plates have been electronically altered.
Related articles:
Wick sheriff's warning over shortcut through pedestrian area in town centre
Wick community representatives condemn selfish drivers
