New measures have been rolled out to ensure that only authorised vehicles access the Stornoway Town Centre Pedestrian Zone during restricted hours from 10:30am to 6pm.
Originally implemented to create a safe space for shoppers and pedestrians, the Stornoway Town Centre Prohibition of Access Order 2006 restricted vehicle access during these hours, with permits granted only for essential deliveries.
Disabled badge holders and taxis are not exempt from this restriction.
Over time, increased vehicle traffic has made the area less safe, prompting a review and the introduction of updated permits.
These permits must now be visibly displayed on dashboards, showing permitted times and duration.
As an additional safety measure, authorised vehicles must have their hazard lights on while moving through the restricted zone to help identify non-compliant vehicles.
Police Scotland can impose a maximum penalty of £100 and three penalty points on any driver found breaching the restrictions without a permit or exemption.
Temporary permits, such as those required for work vans, should be requested through CNES as usual.
The changes aim to enhance pedestrian safety and create a more inviting town centre for shoppers.
Cllr Iain Macaulay, Chair of the Stornoway Town Centre Sub-Committee, stated:
“Unfortunately, the existing access order has been widely abused, and we receive numerous complaints from families who want to use the area safely but constantly find themselves dodging vehicles.
“With these new passes and the requirement for hazard lights, police will find it easier to identify unauthorised vehicles, making the pedestrian experience in town much safer and more enjoyable for both shoppers and businesses.”
