After years of campaigning for improved road safety measures, traffic lights are to be erected on a notorious Inverness junction.
The junction of Tower Road and Culloden Road has for years been an issue for locals.
Numerous collisions have taken place due to an array of conditions, including poor vision due to low sunlight.
However, it now appears as if a resolution is on the table with Inverness South councillor Ken Gowans confirming the processes required are due to begin.
Inverness community’s calls have been answered
It is a victory for the local community and elected members who have constantly raised concerns.
Mr Gowans, who just last month said “enough was enough”, is delighted at the progress.
He said: “The first thing is to get these traffic lights in as soon as possible.
“I am very pleased that we have finally been able to make the progress that is long overdue.
“It is something everybody in the area has been asking for.
“The most important thing is it will definitely make the road an awful lot safer.
“That is key. It is about road safety at the end of the day.”
Traffic lights to be in action by next April
The project is likely to weigh in at a cost of around £250,000.
A video survey of the road is required before physical works can take place, which will identify how busy the route is, when it is busy and who it is used by.
The completion of the project is expected around April next year.
Years of campaigning finally bear fruit
Mr Gowans, who had an accident at the junction in 2017, has been calling for change for seven years.
He added: “It has taken a long time to get here but, quite frankly, I really don’t think there was any choice.
“I think that it is such an obvious place for a set of traffic lights with the amount of accident we have been having there.
“I am pleased that my campaign to get this done has finally borne some fruit and that we have agreement.
“It is a big win.
“The publicity we got from the Press and Journal has certainly highlighted the issue.
“It has been a real community effort to get this done.”
Options will be presented next month
Mr Gowans says further measures may be introduced at a later date, but welcomed the installation of the lights.
Highland Council say final options will be presented before local members next month.
A spokesman said: “A wider road safety scheme for the B9006 is currently being developed with funding for improvements secured from local developer contributions.
“Plans, which include proposed signalisation of the B9006/Tower Road junction, are currently being designed and will be presented to members shortly.”
The Inverness city committee is due to meet again on November 18.
