FEARS that motorists could face four years of round-the-clock traffic convoys at the Rest and Be Thankful have prompted Argyll MP Brendan O’Hara to launch a petition urging the Scottish Government to reject the controversial proposals.
The MP is writing to more than 30,000 households across Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, calling on residents to make their voices heard amid concerns that the plans could have serious consequences for tourism, local businesses and access to healthcare.
Transport Scotland has proposed using the Old Military Road, (OMR), to accommodate traffic while major engineering works are carried out to upgrade the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.
According to the petition, the works would involve closing the existing A83 route for around four years, with all traffic entering and leaving Argyll via Glen Croe directed along the OMR.
The proposed arrangement would see a single-lane convoy system operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the four-year construction period.
Mr O’Hara has warned that the disruption could have far-reaching consequences for communities across Argyll and Bute, potentially discouraging visitors, affecting businesses and making journeys to healthcare appointments in the Central Belt more difficult.
“Since Transport Scotland first suggested imposing a single-lane convoy system on the Old Military Road, parliamentarians, Argyll and Bute Council, and local businesses have all lobbied furiously against it,” he said.
“We were unequivocal in saying that using the OMR, 24-hours a day, 365-days a year, for 4 years would be economically catastrophic for Argyll and Bute.”
Despite opposition from elected representatives and local businesses, Mr O’Hara claims Transport Scotland has continued to pursue the proposal and is now seeking final ministerial approval.
“We are incredibly disappointed that Transport Scotland has ignored our pleas and are still determined to pursue this potentially ruinous plan,” he said.
The MP has now turned to what he describes as ‘people power’, launching a petition urging the Scottish Government not to approve the convoy arrangements.
The petition warns that the proposed restrictions could affect almost every aspect of life in Argyll and Bute, from the region’s ability to attract tourists to residents’ access to essential services.
It states: “It is vitally important therefore that the people of Argyll and Bute make clear their opposition to this four year convoy plan, as this plan will affect every single part of our lives and economic wellbeing, from deterring tourists from coming, to our ability to access healthcare services in the central belt.”
Mr O’Hara believes there is now a limited opportunity for residents to influence the decision before the Scottish Government gives its final approval.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to delivering a permanent and resilient infrastructure solution to address the landslip risks at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful as a priority and as quickly as possible.
“The situation is being treated with the seriousness it deserves, with measures to maintain connectivity on a short, medium and long term basis being implemented.
“Following feedback from the A83 Taskforce last year, we have undertaken additional work in consultation with the A83 Campaign Group regarding the appraisal of two-way free flowing options for a medium-term solution.”
They added: “The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport recently chaired a meeting of the A83 Taskforce and heard the views of members on the additional design and appraisal work undertaken.
“The additional work together with feedback from stakeholders and the Cabinet Secretary for Transport’s recent visit to the Rest and Be Thankful will help inform a final decision on that solution. The Cabinet Secretary is also meeting with Mr O’Hara and other local politicians along with members of the Campaign Group later this month before making a decision on the way ahead for the medium-term solution.”
