4 August 2011
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant expressed her disbelief
this week when it became apparent that planned road works on the A82
will mean families on half-term holiday will face a 200 mile round trip
to get from Oban to Fort William if they travel any time after 7pm,
between Monday and Friday.
The planned road works are less than 2miles long and are to be
undertaken over a three week period commencing 3 October 2011, but
involve a round trip for drivers of close to 200 miles taking in Perth
and Strathspey en route.
Expressing her disbelief that the road would be closed from 7pm five
nights a week during October, Ms Grant said,
“It is incredible that a decision like this could have been taken with a
road closure at such an early time in the evening with such a long
diversion route at a time of year when many people will be using this
road for a well deserved holiday or day trips on our West Coast.
"I am always keen to encourage tourists to see as much of Scotland as
possible but I am sure that people travelling our West Coast will not
take kindly to having to travel via Perth and Strathspey simply to get
from Oban to Fort William.
"Neither will residents of Onich be impressed at having to be at home by
7pm five nights of the week.”
Ms. Grant has written to the Transport Minister outlining her concerns
and asking him to enter into discussion with Transport Scotland seeking
a more suitable plan for the maintenance.
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