Inverness city centre street to undergo radical change

Environmental campaigners have welcomed the news that Highland Council will revamp Academy Street in Inverness to reduce traffic and create space for walking and cycling. This will reduce air pollution and put Inverness on a path toward reducing climate emissions, says Friends of the Earth Scotland.

Highland Council has been consulting on plans for Academy Street since May of this year. On Thursday (24 November) The City of Inverness Area Committee will decide between two options for the future of the city centre street. Option A will widen pavements and pedestrian crossing points. Option B goes further, restricting vehicle access to deliveries, public transport and blue-badge holders.

Academy Street has been one of the most polluted streets in Scotland in the last few years. In 2019, the last year before Covid-19 restrictions drastically but briefly reduced air pollution levels, Academy Street breached the legal limits for diesel pollution meaning locals’ health was being damaged.

Local businesses have said that the plans to stop through-traffic will be beneficial for trade.

Gavin Thomson, transport campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:

“The plans for Academy Street are really promising and show that Highland Council understands we need to think beyond the car if we want a liveable future.

“Our current transport system is unsustainable. It is harming our lungs, and worsening the climate emergency. Prioritising people over traffic helps public health, benefits local high streets, and reduces climate emissions. 

“In cities like Inverness, we urgently need to make walking and cycling the easy choice for everyone who is able. Restricting through-traffic on Academy Street would make the city centre a better, greener, more inviting place to spend time and spend money. The council must choose the more ambitious option and follow it up with bigger plans for the city.”