A temporary solution to a row over bus stop signs in Fort William has been criticised as “dangerous”.
Lochaber councillors met behind closed doors yesterday to try and solve the problem of where tour buses can drop off visitors near the town centre.
Signs stating ‘local buses only’ have been fixed to stops and, if coaches use them, they are moved on by the local traffic enforcement officer.
Shopkeepers and businesses are furious as they claim around 20 tour buses can visit the town daily and it will have a ‘catastrophic’ effect on trade if they are moved on.
Fort William and Ardnamurchan councillor, Andrew Baxter, suggested to Highland Council officials that the signs be changed to permit coaches to use the bus stops too, but his fellow ward councillors called a halt to the plan.
Thomas MacLennan, Brian Murphy and Bren Gormley said that service buses must take priority over coaches and voiced their concerns about safety issues.
But the councillors have agreed that the bus stop beside the Nevisport shop can be used as a coach drop-off point as a temporary measure with the taxi rank at the other end of the town used to pick up visitors.
Local shop owner, Drew Purdon, said: “Two buses can hardly fit into that stop and, as we can get around 20 coaches a day in the town, it will just be dangerous. To have that stop jammed up with lots of coaches makes no sense.
“I don’t know why this meeting was held in private as it would be a good thing for councillors to talk to people who know what is going on.
“This is the wrong answer as some people require walking aids and it is quite a long way from one end of town to the other. There is a temporary sign already up at the taxi rank which states ‘Coach pick up and drop off point’.”
Councillor Baxter said: “At least these temporary measures have been agreed and coaches will also be allowed to use the stop at Middle Street behind the High Street.
“Bus and coach parking in the town centre will be reviewed and local businesses as well as bus operators and coach companies will be consulted.”
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “In addition to the temporary measures already in place, there will be a consultation to determine the best options for drop-off and pick-up points in the town centre. This should take place over the next few months.”
