Traffic calming measures in Castletown will be 'first step in making the village safer,' says campaigners

ROAD safety campaigners in Castletown have backed traffic calming measures on Main Street as "the first step in making the village safer."

Donna Kirk, who launched the campaign along with Emma Manson, spoke after Caithness councillors approved a plan to create two pinch points on Main Street to slow traffic. One will be located near the play park in the centre of the village and will be based on a priority give way system. The second will be near the junction of the Castletown/Dunnet road.

The campaigners wanted a controlled crossing but Highland Council claimed there was inadequate traffic for such a scheme and proposed the pinch points as an alternative.

Donna and Emma said: "We are delighted that the first step in making the village safer is underway. We understand this solution is not the one we set out for and that some residents are n't as pleased but no solution will make everyone happy.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported the campaign. Also Caithness councillor Karl Rosie and Ross Bartlett of Highland Council for their advice and expertise."

A father who supported the plan said: "I fear for my children crossing that road for the swing park, shop or school. Increasing the pavement width will increase the visibility of all pedestrians and I can’t see how that could ever be undesirable."

The Castletown and District Community Council said the plan would narrow sections of the village’s Main Street and give priority to traffic from Wick which, it is claimed, could cause problems for emergency services, lorries and farm vehicles.

Members want road safety improved but felt the suggested solution is the wrong one and would lead to traffic using nearby Traill Street and Murrayfield as alternative routes. They would prefer speed bumps and a 20mph limit to slow vehicles down.

It was also pointed out that proposed scheme does not cover the top and bottom of the village where speeding vehicles are also a problem.

Highland Council's roads department said the road narrowing would "not have a significant impact" and would accommodate large vehicles. It was also stressed that pedestrians would be more visible to approaching motorists.

As part of the plan, it was stated, access to the play park from Traill Street would be redesigned and there would be safety signs and additional markings.

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