New automatic bollards installed on Fort William High Street will officially begin operating from Monday 25 May as part of a major pedestrian improvement scheme in the town centre.
The project, led by The Highland Council, is designed to improve safety, accessibility and the overall appearance of the High Street for residents, businesses and visitors.
The new pedestrian zone will introduce vehicle restrictions during busy daytime hours while still allowing limited access for disabled users and essential business loading.
Under the new arrangements, no vehicle access will be permitted Monday to Friday between 11am and 3pm and on Saturdays between 10am and 5pm.
The automatic bollard system operates without manual intervention and uses in road vehicle detection technology to monitor vehicle movement and control access.
Additional safety measures include traffic signal controls, optional audible warnings, CCTV integration and fail safe monitoring systems designed to prevent operation during signal failures.
Emergency services and authorised users will also have access controls including PIN keypad overrides where required.
Council officials say the wider pedestrian improvement scheme aims to modernise the High Street while making it more welcoming and accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and people with mobility or visual impairments.
Chair of the Lochaber Area Committee, Councillor Kate Willis, said:
“The Pedestrian Improvement Scheme will enhance the appearance and functionality of the High Street to meet modern day use, also helping to create a more attractive and welcoming town centre.
“The scheme supports active travel, with an existing HI BIKE hub, and its popularity as a cycling route, the High Street will now offer a safer shared space for cyclists and pedestrians, encouraging more sustainable travel choices.
“Our thanks go to the Lochaber Roads team for their careful coordination of the installation, and for working closely with partners including emergency services and local businesses to ensure the new automatic bollard system is well understood and operates safely and effectively.
“The improvements are also expected to benefit the local economy.
“Fort William High Street forms part of the start and finish of the West Highland Way, one of Scotland’s most popular long distance walking routes, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
“Enhancing the area’s safety, accessibility and appearance will strengthen its appeal to residents and visitors.”
The project has received support through Community Regeneration Funding including contributions from the Highland Coastal Communities Fund and the Place Based Investment Programme.
For Fort William, the changes mark another step in the wider push to create town centres that are safer, more pedestrian friendly and better suited to modern tourism and active travel.
