A public inquiry into plans to improve a notorious hairpin on the A9 concluded yesterday with a cross examination of the scheme’s sole objector.
Tom Johnston previously told the inquiry into the Scottish Government’s proposed Berriedale Braes improvement scheme that he needs a private access road – which Transport Scotland wants to close off – linking the trunk road to his home to transport heavy goods.
But yesterday Douglas Milne, a solicitor representing the roads authority, criticised Mr Johnston’s evidence and suggested his ideas were unsafe.
He also criticised Mr Johnston’s alternative solution to a stopping order, arguing that a proposed “hammerhead” access area for parking cars at the top of the track would create opportunities for tourists to stop there inappropriately.
Mr Johnston and his wife, Wilhelmina, own The Haven, a house on the shore at Berriedale, and are opposing compulsory purchase orders which are needed to ensure the land is in the government’s ownership.
The only other access to their home is via a swinging footbridge, which Mr Johnston previously told the inquiry is inadequate for transporting heavy goods, particularly during stormy weather.
Transport Scotland engineers Andrew Anderson and David Webster told the inquiry on Tuesday that the footbridge provides a “reasonable” alternative access to the property.
Yesterday Mr Milne set the context for his questions by referring to a day in 1997, when Mr Johnston used a quad bike and trailer to transport furniture down the access track with the help of friends who were signalling to be aware of oncoming traffic.
Mr Milne asked: “What would happen if you stalled if you were taking the trailer out onto the trunk road and a vehicle was coming?
Mr Johnston replied: “That scenario never occurred and should not occur if the correct actions are taken. It’s a hypothetical question.”
Mr Milne then asked: “What if a tractor taking the sheep trailer got stuck?”
Mr Johnston said: “I would try and reverse. If I got stuck I would have to get the vehicle to a place of safety and call for assistance.”
Mr Milne highlighted legislation under the Roads Traffic Act which tells drivers to avoid “inconsiderate and dangerous driving”, suggesting it was impossible for Mr Johnston to argue the private access track would be safe in such a scenario.”
Mr and Mrs Johnston and the Transport Scotland team must submit their case summaries by April 29 and both both parties have the chance to respond to each other’s arguments by May 13.
