Highland Council’s plans to sell advertising space on three roundabouts in a bid to raise cash were shot down by north councillors yesterday.
The local authority proposed erecting advertising boards at the Dornoch, Nigg and new Conon Bridge roundabouts – but community councils objected.
And councillors on the north area planning applications committee yesterday unanimously refused the plans on the grounds that they would create a distraction to road users – and one member even suggested lives could be put at risk.
The proposals were among about 30 applications being submitted by the local authority for advertising signage at various roundabouts in the Highlands.
Signage has already been approved under delegated powers at some roundabouts in Inverness – but those subject to local objections will be discussed by the relevant committees.
The planned advertising boards, aimed at local businesses, measure 4.5ft in length, 1.2ft in height and would be visible on all route approaches to the roundabout.
Highland Council has pledged that money raised would be used to maintain the roundabouts, including those currently run by the trunk roads authority Transport Scotland.
Tain and Easter Ross councillor Alasdair Rhind said: “It amazes me what we will do to make some money. This will be a distraction to people and at roundabouts you need to take great care. In return for permission we will take on the maintenance but we can not maintain the things we want to do.”
After the meeting Mr Rhind said he was “glad” with the outcome, adding: “I don’t think the council should be seen going down the route of taking money in from this.
“Councils are looking at everything possible to raise some funds and it’s the sign of the times we live in but I would be careful as to how we raise funds.”
Dingwall and Seaforth councillor Angela MacLean stressed it made no sense for the council to take on maintenance at roundabouts currently run by Transport Scotland while there are issues for them maintaining other public spaces.
Fellow ward councillor Margaret Paterson said: “I thought we had more sense in the Highlands. We are putting people’s lives at risk because you could be driving along and not looking but someone else might be.”
Landward Caithness councillor David Bremner said: “We were told the signs would be discreet but that just makes people look all the more for them. Are we that desperate for cash? Perhaps we are.”
Area planning manager north Dafydd Jones said that Transport Scotland and council traffic planners were satisfied with the safety aspects for erecting signage at the roundabouts within their remit.
