Protest is growing over plans to lower the speed limit from 60mph to 50mph on almost 20 miles of an important Highland tourist route.
Transport Scotland wants to reduce the limit on a 12.5-mile stretch of the A87 between Cluanie Inn and Kintail Lodge Hotel and a 6.5-mile stretch of the same road between Invergarry and The Viewpoint.
The government agency claims this will improve road safety on these sections of the Invergarry to Kyle road – both of which run mostly through hills and moorland.
But local people are unhappy with the proposal claiming it will make the road more dangerous and increase journey times.
And an online petition set up to demonstrate the level of feeling against the move has now been signed by almost 600 people.
The petition was launched by Shona MacLennan, of Dornie, Kyle, who pointed out that the stretches of road affected by the proposed speed limit reduction include the few places where it is possible to overtake slow-moving vehicles.
She added that reducing the limit would mean more people would risk overtaking when it was unsafe to do so making the road more dangerous.
Ms MacLennan said: “Currently, frequent users travel at 60mph as is allowed. Many tourists and other infrequent users travel at a much slower speed, causing tailbacks and frustration.”
And many people signing the petition agreed that the reduction would make the road less safe.
John Matheson, of Kyle wrote: “Keep Cluanie moving!
“Modern cars are much safer, they can stop in a fraction of the distance. It is not the law-abiding 60mpher that causes accidents.
“Lowering the speed limit will not save lives, indeed, it may have the opposite effect by adding much frustration to journeys.”
And Rick Terry, of Kyleakin on Skye, wrote: “If they impose this limit, they will use it to justify other restrictions, a self-perpetuating rule. The rest of the Highlands will follow.
“What’s the point of getting good communications links and not being allowed to use them.”
