INVERNESS BID: We need reliable and affordable ‘greener’ alternatives to cars first

Last month the Courier reported that 100-plus bus services were cancelled over a two-day period in Inverness due to driver shortages.

Earlier this month the Hi-Bike scheme was inoperable for several days due to ‘network problems’ and signal faults on the main rail line north also impacted passenger journeys.

Given that the Scottish Government has a stated aim to reduce private vehicle usage by 20 per cent by 2030 (then much further) to help meet its net zero targets, it is essential for businesses and the public that properly incentivised, regular, reliable and affordable ‘greener’ alternatives are put in place first not last, as well intended does not always work as well in practice.

Speaking of roads paved with good intentions, it is very welcome news that the Deposit Return Scheme, that was due to go live has now been put on hold until October 2025 at the earliest. It is just a shame that the reason for the U-turn was not as a result of listening to the many business stakeholders who had raised concerns including the design, scale and pace of change which some deemed created a risk to them and also to achieving the stated aims as set out.

Overall, when initiatives are ill-thought through and when the needs and views of businesses are dismissed, it is nonetheless sensible to press pause in order to get it right rather than continue to pursue.

Lorraine Bremner McBride is an Inverness BID director.