Nairn traffic review

A trial to remove a set of traffic lights on the A96 in Nairn is to start this month in an attempt to improve traffic flows in the town.

Following community concerns about congestion, the signals at the junction of the A96 and Albert Street will be covered up before the end of the month.  Drivers will then be required to give way at the junction and pedestrians can cross the A96 at Leopold Street, as was the case before the Albert Street signals were installed in 2011.

BEAR Scotland, the trunk road operating company, is currently programming the various trial works so that an exact date can be confirmed. The new arrangement will then be monitored over the winter/spring and if successful, the signals will be removed in March/April 2018.

This trial follows on-going collaboration between Transport Scotland, The Highland Council and local representatives in the Nairn Community Focus Group with the Group welcoming these measures.

Transport Scotland’s Operating Company Manager, Jonny Moran said:

“People in Nairn have told us that they feel the signals in the town can add to congestion, particularly in the summer months.  To examine this, we modelled a range of scenarios covering the Leopold Street to Manse Road area and removing the Albert Street lights results suggested shorter journey times.

“Safety is our main priority and, together with The Highland Council and the community group, we have explored this option. Signage directing people to the Leopold Street crossing will be installed before the signals are covered up and if the signals are to be permanently removed, we will discuss other measures with The Highland Council.

“We will continue to monitor journey times when the changes are implemented to check their effectiveness.”

William Gilfillan, The Highland Council’s Director of Community Services said:

“Highland Council will continue to work with Transport Scotland to explore all possible solutions to improve traffic flow through Nairn”