New bus stops without proper pull-ins on one of the busiest routes in Inverness are an accident waiting to happen, according to community leaders.
The two stops are close to traffic lights and a major roundabout on the southern distributor road on the southwest side of the city.
They were installed last month with no advance notice, according to local councillors.
Neighbouring community councils, on either side of the B8082 St Walter Scott Drive route, believe they pose a significant risk to pedestrians and motorists in an area with regular accidents.
Inverness South SNP councillor Ken Gowans wants the two stops decommissioned pending a consultation with community leaders and the police.
He said: “The two bus stops suddenly appeared at the start of May, without consultation.
“It makes no sense to put a bus stop on a distributor road.
“At the very least, it will impede traffic. You’d think they’d at least include laybys.
“We’re told there was a demand from residents who wanted a bus stop closer to the retail park. That’s fine but bring it off the main road. It’s very dangerous.
“With a bus stopping there traffic will be held up, you have people crossing the road. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to work out this isn’t the best place in the world for bus stops.”
Echoing that, Inverness South Community Council chairman Kevin Findlay said: “There are already too many accident injuries happening there. And now, in a 40mph zone, they’ve put a bus stop right in front of traffic lights – right in front of a roundabout.”
Culcabock and Drakies Community Council is equally concerned.
Each of the watchdog bodies is writing to Highland Council to register the concerns.
No council official was available yesterday to respond to the concerns registered by Mr Gowans.
