The Highland Council has urged for action to be taken on the A82 as congestion "has reached a point where it is causing unacceptable delays for all road users".

The local authority has opted to take the lead in a proposed Strategic Transport Appraisal of the wider Fort William area as a priority due to the issue.

A motion put before the council on Thursday, signed by Cllrs N McLean, A Baxter, and M Smith states: "Highland Council acknowledges that congestion on the A82, as it passes through Fort William, has reached a point where it is causing unacceptable delays for all road users. Highland Council acknowledges that the economic impact and wider inconvenience caused by the current situation is unacceptable and needs urgent action.

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"Highland Council urges Transport Scotland to bring forward the proposed Strategic Transport Appraisal of the wider Fort William area. Highland Council will write to the Transport Minister to provide an update on the current position and urge that the appraisal is carried out as a priority.

"Concurrent to the appraisal process, short term measures must be investigated and executed by Transport Scotland to bring immediate relief.

"The involvement of Elected representatives from the Lochaber area, alongside officials from Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland, are vital as part of this process."

Cllr Allan Henderson, Chair of the Places Committee, added: "There is already work underway to take forward a STAG pre-appraisal to be led by the Council with assistance from Transport Scotland, and HITRANS which I hope will take us further forward in getting improvements in this area."

(LM)