A new traffic management plan to ease congestion on Oban’s ferry pier will be “a nightmare”, according to a businessman who owns two restaurants at the site.
Ferry operator CalMac and port owner Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd started a six-week trial of a one way traffic system at the terminal on Monday.
And with new restrictions on deliveries, Calum MacLachlainn, of The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant and YuWu Chinese Restaurant, said: “This is going to be a nightmare.
“They are only going to allow one lorry on the pier at a time.
“They are saying our suppliers are to just drive round the block until it is free.
“If a ferry is in, they have to wait.
“The whole thing is just mad.
“The delivery drivers are on a schedule, they can’t spin around all day in the height of summer.
“We are going to have problems.
“The congestion in Oban town centre is horrendous as it is. This is only going to make things worse.
“I think our suppliers will not bother to sell to us. They could end up waiting two to three hours if they are to spin around the block every time there is something on the pier.
“This is threatening our business.”
He said that CalMac is telling them what will happen instead of consulting them properly, adding: “They started the six week trial on Monday and there have already been tailbacks along the pier, which is more dangerous.”
The trial is as a result of safety concerns about the mix of vehicles and pedestrians in the area.
All traffic will now enter the site from Alma Crescent and will drive through one way only exiting via Station Square.
Other changes include designating the area from the CalMac terminal building to Station Square a pedestrian only zone and street furniture being installed to separate loading bays from pedestrian areas.
CalMac said it has gone through a full and proper consultation.
Head of harbours, Alasdair Henderson, said: “Safety on the pier is our number one priority. With differing pier users all requiring access, the pier is crowded and the potential for pedestrian and vehicle incidents were judged unacceptable within our risk assessments.
“These traffic management plans have been reviewed and endorsed by professional traffic planners. The new system should simplify traffic flow and make management of all movement on the pier safer for everyone, passengers, businesses and port staff. This is a six-week trial and its efficacy and any arising issues will be assessed as it progresses.”
