Speed bumps in Wick not way to tackle boy racers
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PLANS to implement traffic-calming measures to deter antisocial drivers would be detrimental to Wick claims a local councillor.
Graeme Smith said that he was against proposals to install speed bumps at the Riverside.
His views come after a number of complaints of boy racers engaging in antisocial driving in the area.
It is claimed that motorists have caused customers to stay away from the Norseman Hotel which has campaigned with other businesses for action to be taken. Mr Smith said that if the proposals were pushed forward, the whole town would suffer as a result rather than a minority.
“I find it quite impractical to spend money to deter what is only around a dozen people,” he said.
“The road itself is quite busy and is used as a major car park site in the town. It is also where a prominent bus stop is located which is used by hundreds of people every day.
“Engineered solutions like sleeping policemen should be very much a last resort. The police think that they would be the solution to the problem, but I do not.”
The Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council is said to be in favour of speed bumps in the affected area.
It is planned that the matter will be brought to the community council’s attention at its next meeting on Monday, August 1.
Meanwhile, Caithness ward manager David Sutherland has been in negotiations with Northern Constabulary to discuss ways to address the bad-driving problem.
Mr Smith believes that an alternative solution involving a greater police presence in the area would prove more beneficial.
“Policing rather than sleeping policemen would be the best way forward,” he said.
“We are really only talking about 12 to 15 antisocial drivers aged between 17 and 30 who are causing the problem. It is also only a problem which occurs during certain periods in the evening.
“I don’t see why bus drivers and the rest of the public who use the road should be penalised by having these installed.”
He added: “I know that Northern Constabulary has had to cut its budget and in my opinion it has been taken for granted for too long. We owe it to the police to give them proper funding to uphold the law than have the Highland Council spending thousands of pounds which will inconvenience everyone. I would see the implementation of speed bumps as a failure of society if we can’t get to grips with a small group of people who engage in antisocial activities.”
Norseman Hotel manager Andrew Mackay has been working with local councillors and Northern Constabulary to find a solution to the problem. He believes that speed bumps are the best solution.
“The problem with putting more police presence in the area is that they could be called to elsewhere in the town,” he said. “Speed bumps would be a permanent solution which would not have a major affect on other motorists. Boy racers have had a negative impact on our town and have driven customers away from the hotel which has damaged our reputation.
“There have already been four occasions this summer where our guests have almost been run down by antisocial drivers.
“Speed bumps are one of the few solutions we can see which would have an impact on what is a scourge for ?local traders.”
