As a resident deeply connected with Inverness, I am concerned about the Highland Council's plan to block Academy Street to through journeys by private cars. This street is not just a road; it is a lifeline that connects us with the heart of our city and beyond. It serves as a main route into and through Inverness, supporting local businesses and facilitating our daily travelling.

The proposed restriction threatens the vitality of our city centre businesses, many of which rely on passing trade from drivers. Moreover, it would badly impact those who use this route to reach destinations beyond the city centre. The ripple effect on our communities and businesses would be significant. Think of carers crossing the city between clients. If this route is closed to them they would lose time, and clients would see reduced care and or increased costs

Many people who live outside Inverness use the city for shopping and other activities. This proposal would make it impossible to drive from the west of the river to the railway station by the direct route and would add a huge detour via Crown or the Longman.

The picture of Academy Street bathed in sunshine with cafes and trees may seem attractive but it is unrealistic. The reality is that the vast majority of businesses oppose the plans but the council is not listening.

Many residents are concerned that much of the traffic displaced would divert to trying to go through the streets of Crown and the Hill District. The rest of the traffic would try to get out to Millburn roundabout under the railway bridge. Some journeys might not happen at all - but the emissions "saved" would be cancelled out by emissions from deliveries of items ordered online instead of being bought locally.

Some routes that illustrate the problems of blocking through traffic

Fairfield Road  to Eastgate
 
Using Academy Street
 
Fairfield Road, Friar Street Bridge, Shore Street roundabout, Chapel Street, Academy Street. 

BUT 

If Academy Street was closed off to through cars

Fairfield Road, Kenneth Street, Young Street, Ness Bridge, Bridge Street, Castle Street, Culduthel Road, Old Edinburgh Road, Southside Road, Kingsmills Road, Midmills Road, Crown Circus, Crown Road.
 
 
Another example
  
Crown Drive to Greig Street
 
Crown Drive, Crown Road, Academy Street, Chapel Street then on from Shore Street roundabout

Would become

Crown Drive, Cawdor Road, Lovat Road, Crown Circus, Midmills Road, Charles Street, Ardconnell Street, Gordon Terrace, Culduthel Road, Castle Street, Bridge Street, Bank Street, Friar Lane, Chapel Street then on from Shore Street roundabout

We urge Highland Council to reconsider their decision and to drop this project.

Please sign this petition if you too believe in preserving the connectivity of Inverness by keeping Academy Street open for private cars.