July 14, 2016
Scotland

Wide-load lorry causes chaos in Fort William

The Oban Times | July 13th, 2016 | www.obantimes.co.uk

A wide-load lorry caused mayhem in Fort William July 12 after it stopped on the A82. Police had to assist in getting it back on the move.

The lorry was said to be carrying a replacement part for a wind turbine on the Isle of Skye.

Brian Murphy, councillor for Fort William and Ardnamurchan, said: ‘A wide load came through carrying a wind turbine – it took up both lanes of the road. It’s caused a long tailback and its on its way up to Skye.

‘To allow a load like that to go through the town in the middle of the day, in the middle of the week and in middle of July just seems incredible.

‘I can’t imagine the cost – commercial vehicles being held up, the cost to the public in terms of time and fuel, a large cost to buses and taxis. All timetables will be really messed up.

‘Fort William is a bottleneck at the best of times. There are no diversions.

‘I know there are some restrictions on when things like this can happen. I will be writing to Transport Scotland, to the police, all the MSPs and anyone I can get hold of, really, because this just cannot happen. Especially in the height of the season. They must realise we are putting people off the area and making it a nightmare for those who live here.’

Transport Scotland specified that hauliers have to notify the area’s police force. No-one at Fort William police station was available to comment on the issue.

A spokesperson for BEAR Scotland said: ‘Haulage companies are required to inform us of their intended movements and we are required to advise them of the safest and most suitable route to take, as well as pointing out any roadwork restrictions.

‘The vehicle travelling on the A82 today (July 12) was one of 73 noted on that route alone this month and, as it is not required, we were not specifically notified of the timing of the movement.

‘We have no power to dictate the timing of movements although most companies choose to do so off-peak.

‘When notified by the haulier or an affiliated party, there is usually a certain window of time given by the applicant as to when the abnormal load will run, sometimes spanning months rather than providing a specific date and time.’

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/07/14/wide-load-lorry-causes-chaos-in-fort-william/