Road campaigners hit out over 'total lack of progress' on Forss straight
Campaigners demanding road safety improvements on the Forss straight are losing patience over a "total lack of progress" by Highland Council – almost a year after a site visit highlighted some of the irresponsible driving on the route, and despite a long-standing offer of financial assistance from Dounreay.
Local residents want to see a series of traffic-calming measures being put in place on their section of the A836, which is used by motorists travelling to and from Dounreay and Vulcan and is part of the North Coast 500. As far back as 2013 a petition calling for a reduction in the speed limit attracted around 300 signatures.
Residents are being supported by Forss Straight Campaign Group. Formed in late 2021, it consists of community councillors Thelma Mackenzie (Thurso) and David Craig (Caithness West) and Highland councillors Ron Gunn, Struan Mackie and Matthew Reiss along with Iain Gregory, a retired police area commander and the co-founder of Caithness Roads Recovery.
In December 2021 the group discussed the issue with Dounreay managing director Mark Rouse, who agreed the site had a responsibility to be "part of the solution".
An hour-long site visit took place at Forss on February 14, 2022. Those present included Highland councillors, community councillors and roads officials as well as Mr Rouse.
They saw examples of what Mr Gregory called "downright insanity on the part of many drivers", with vehicles overtaking and speeding through the village.
A detailed report, including accident statistics, was compiled and circulated by the campaigners. They are calling for traffic-calming measures including double white lines, a reduced speed limit, a "village gateway" to delineate the area and appropriate signage.
Mr Rouse offered the support of Dounreay to assist Highland Council with the improvements.
Now, almost a year later, there is a growing sense of frustration at what Mr Gregory called "the apparent total lack of progress", with no work having taken place on the ground.
Speaking for the group, Mr Gregory said: "We are well aware that the council is somewhat hard-pressed for money, but it seems to me that when there is the offer of help from a major local employer then it would make sense to prioritise the work and get things moving.
"The roads throughout Caithness are in a shocking state, but this is an opportunity to alleviate at least one of the problems. This is a highly dangerous location and further accidents are certain, unless action is taken."
Councillor Reiss said: "I am unable to explain these delays for a relatively small-scale project. I suspect a lack of staff and an impossible backlog of repairs building up, despite the numerous warnings.
"I am just hoping there is action soon before further accidents."
Highland Council indicated that improvements could start later this month.
A spokesperson said: "We issued a tender for the works. The closing date has passed and these are in the process of being assessed.
"If acceptable we would be hoping for a start date sometime in February. Part of the works is new signage and road markings. Getting the road markings down is very weather dependent."