01 July 2009

David Stewart, Highlands and Islands regional Labour MSP, will press the issue with Highland Council following successful meetings with HITRANS and the Inverness Chamber of Commerce on the subject of the Kessock Bridge congestion.

Mr Stewart said: "My Labour colleagues, Peter Peacock and Rhoda Grant and I are still hearing about the effect that the bridge and its congestion issues are having on people trying to go about their day to day lives.

"More and more we are hearing people supporting a park and ride based north of the bridge, possibly in North Kesscok or Tore.

"This idea is just one that would certainly go a long way towards easing south bound traffic on the route by taking cars off the road.

"But this does not mean a big car park – it will mean having an effective and reliable public transport system in place.

"HITRANS have already identified this as a viable option to ease the Kessock Bridge congestion in their Inner Moray Firth Park and Ride Study.

"It is now up to all the relevant agencies to work together to help to turn these ideas and proposals into reality, and I will certainly be looking to work with everyone involved to find a solution."

Mr Stewart added: "We are only weeks away from Transerv reporting back the findings of their traffic capacity study and once that happens, the pressure will stay on the government to ensure they take action on its recommendations to improve this vital transport link."