Dozens of drivers have been fined following the introduction of traffic restrictions along a scenic coastal route in a bid to tackle inconsiderate and dangerous parking.
Several kilometres of double yellow lines have been painted along parts of the B8008 Morar to Arisaig road.
Beaches along the popular west Highland route include the Silver Sands of Morar, Camusdarach and Traigh – with views to the Small Isles of Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna.
Highland Council recently implemented the restrictions following years of inconsiderate and dangerous parking, which has repeatedly caused congestion and put public safety at risk.
Overnight parking on the roadside has also been an issue.
Despite the threat of a £100 fine and, in some cases, vehicles being towed away, drivers are continuing to ignore the restrictions.
A total of 64 fines have been issued since June – with drivers once again being warned that double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time of the day.
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A Highland Council spokesperson said: “In the interest of public safety, our officers are actively enforcing our parking enforcement policy throughout the B8008 Morar to Arisaig and if drivers wish to avoid fines, they must read the signs and lines.
“The route is patrolled five out of seven days per week at various times and days, and 64 penalty charge notice (PCN) of £100 were issued throughout June and July 2023.”
The council implemented the traffic control measures following extensive consultation with the B8008 Working Group.
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A Sky News reader, who is currently staying at one of the local campsites, said the restrictions are “doing absolutely nothing” to discourage drivers from parking on the verge at Traigh Beach.
He said: “[On Sunday] there were at least 16 motorhomes and campervans, along with six cars all parked on the verge, many of them overnight. There were also three campfires late on in the evening.”
The man said the area should be “policed more rigorously” but doesn’t believe double yellow lines are the answer.
He said: “The beach should be able to be enjoyed by everyone, so there should be provision.
“There is one very small lay-by and a small carpark in the very close vicinity, and it isn’t enough.”
Calling for more designated parking spots, he added: “I don’t condone parking on the verge which destroys the local habitat and the mess that goes hand in hand with it.
“I know post-COVID many people flocked here and the beach, along with the local surroundings, suffered because of irresponsible campers that would leave human waste in the grass as well as the rubbish from various food stuffs and drink cans/bottles.”
