Change of direction for the RAC over Inverness route planner fears
A SECOND major driving organisation has taken steps to have its online route planner amended after it was found to be directing traffic through a notorious rat run in Dalneigh.
It was revealed last week that the AA, RAC, Green Flag and Google route planners have been suggesting motorists travel through Maxwell Drive, Dochfour Drive and Harrowden Road when travelling up the A82 and through Inverness.
The RAC has now joined the AA in looking to get the route changed.
An RAC spokesman said: "RAC Routeplanner, like many route-planning tools, operates via Google Maps. On learning that Google is recommending a route through Inverness using a wholly residential area, we have asked for this to be changed."
It is understood that the AA also uses data from Google. It has also contacted the tech giant.
Inverness West councillor Alex Graham welcomed the steps taken by the RAC and AA organisations to alert Google: "It is quite a worry when their computers are making that kind of decision. I would hope that the AA’s representations might have some influence and get them to tweak the routes the systems are recommending. The recommended route should not direct long-term traffic through residential neighbourhoods when there is a trunk road available. That is the key issue. The systems should have regard to what roads are suitable for that volume of traffic."
No one from Google was available for comment.
Meanwhile, a public meeting to look into the city’s traffic problems is being organised by Park Community Council.
Chairman Richard Paxton said it was in the process of contacting local community councils and residents’ groups. Officials from Highland Council will also be contacted.
But Mr Paxton said given the number of likely interested groups it could be months before a date can be mutually agreed between the parties.
"We have got to get in touch with all the groups first to see if they will take part and secondly once we have got them together is to arrange a date and get the council officials to be there at the same time. It’s not going to happen overnight. This could take a couple of months to organise to get everyone round the table."
Inverness Central councillor Richard Laird has warned the city road network is at breaking point and residents have grown increasingly frustrated.
Councillor Laird has written to Highland Council’s Head of Roads and Transport demanding work begin on a traffic management plan for the western area of the city.
