COUNCIL officers will undertake further research before any road safety measures are implemented at the Clachan Bridge in Seil, a meeting has heard.
Proposals by Argyll and Bute Council to install traffic lights at the bridge have met with opposition, with a petition gathering 1,700 signatures.
But one of the authority’s officials has said that more consultation will be done, and a report given to councillors, before any final decision is made.
The discussion took place at a meeting of the council’s Oban Lorn and the Isles area committee on Wednesday, June 10.
Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn) asked head of roads and infrastructure services Andy Summers: “You will be aware of a motion being submitted about the Clachan Bridge. Is there any update that you can give members?”
Mr Summers responded: “What I can say is that we continue to engage with local communities and a number of meetings have taken place over the last few weeks, with representatives from community councils involved.
“There was a particular resident with interest in road safety and traffic light management. We have also discussed and engaged with suppliers for traffic lights.
“I can update that we need to pull together some more data, so we are going to do a traffic data analysis on the site that will look at vehicle speeds and traffic volumes on approach to the bridge.
“We will carry out a topographic survey on how we can accommodate the requirements of cyclists and pedestrians on the bridge.
“There is a lot of work to be done and consultation to be done, so as a result of the engagement we have done, and a high amount of data to pull together, we need further time to develop a preferred option.
“That will take place over the summer, and I propose we bring back a further report to members, potentially the area committee, on the preferred option for consideration. There is no proposal to install anything right now.”
Councillor Green then asked: “Is it fair to say that for the time being, there will be no lights at the bridge?”
Mr Summers said yes.
Councillor Jim Lynch (SNP, Oban South and the Isles) then said: “We need to be fully involving communities on this. It may mean several meetings.”
Mr Summers said: “We have started the process and should have done that in the first place. I know it has been a recurring theme, but that engagement will continue.
“We have good communication channels set up and have a much-improved relationship with community representatives.”
Councillor Julie McKenzie (Independent, Oban North and Lorn), who set up the petition against the planned lights, said: “I am heartened to hear this and would like to thank Mr Summers for coming today and facing the public and giving a communication that should have taken place in the first place.
“The acknowledgement is welcome and there will be a proper assessment done about what intervention is most suitable for that area.”
