Speeding drivers creating 'intolerable' and 'unacceptable' situation for Forss residents
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Campaigners calling for safety upgrades on a stretch of road in north-west Caithness have warned that speeding drivers are creating an "intolerable" and "unacceptable" situation for residents.
The recently formed Forss Campaign Group says progress is being made over safety measures on the A836 at Forss, with action having been taken to improve the road condition and with new kerbing being installed.
The group now wants to see speed controls and signage being put in place and the creation of a "village gateway" to underline that it is a residential area.
It pointed to a survey carried out by Highland Council from July 9-17 last year revealing that no fewer than 89 vehicles a day passed through Forss at speeds in excess of 70 mph, with a total traffic flow of several thousand vehicles daily.
The village is currently subject to a 60 mph limit.
There are long-running concerns about the rate of accidents at the Forss straight, with one resident saying she is "petrified" every time she pulls out of her driveway. Parents have expressed fears for the safety of children who are obliged to walk alongside the route when using school transport.
The road is used by motorists travelling to and from Dounreay and Vulcan, and is part of the North Coast 500.
Forss Campaign Group comprises Highland councillors Matthew Reiss and Struan Mackie, community councillors Ron Gunn, Thelma Mackenzie (both Thurso) and David Craig (Caithness West) and Caithness Roads Recovery's Iain Gregory.
Mr Gregory said: "The group was set up in response to concerns raised by residents, and also by people who travel daily from Thurso on the way to and from work, and the accident and speeding statistics that we have obtained from Police Scotland and Highland Council make for sobering reading. There is no doubt that action has to be taken to prevent a further tragedy, and road upgrades, speed limits and overtaking restrictions will all play a vital part."
Councillor Reiss said: "I have been in touch with the Scottish Safety Camera Programme and am assured that the camera van will be deployed very soon. At peak times, heavy traffic volumes and dangerously high speeds and overtaking manoeuvres make for a lethal combination."
The group met recently with Dounreay managing director Mark Rouse, who said afterwards that “Dounreay has a responsibility, as a major employer in the community, to be part of the solution". A further meeting at the location is planned soon with senior representatives of Highland Council travelling to Caithness to assess the situation at first hand.
Mr Gregory said: "We are delighted with the support from Dounreay, and from Highland Council. Already, action has been taken to improve the road condition at the Forss bridge area, and new kerbing is being installed to improve pavement safety.
"We now need to get speed controls and signage in place and, ideally, create a 'village gateway' to strengthen the message that motorists are entering a residential area. We look forward to our meeting on site, at which Mr Rouse intends to be present personally."
Mr Gregory added: "The situation is intolerable for residents, dangerous for commuters, and unacceptable in every way. We look forward to working with Highland Council and Dounreay to improve the safety and wellbeing of everyone."
Related stories:
- Dounreay has a duty to be 'part of the solution' to Forss road safety concerns
- Campaigners warn Forss traffic accident rate is 'disproportionately high'
