Close collaboration between Argyll and Bute Council and the community of Luss means that draft Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO), aimed at managing parking and speed in and around the historic village, will be out for consultation shortly.
As an indication of the strength of partnership working, the proposals for the TROs have been drafted by lawyers acting for the Community Council, with input from the council. The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee recently agreed that these proposals will form the basis of TROs that will be drafted and advertised for consultation.
The area committee heard that it had been a complex process to find a balanced solution that supported the needs of residents, businesses and visitors and was fair to all road users.
COVID-19 presented further challenges as the loosening of travel restrictions meant a further influx of visitors to the area.
However, introducing a temporary traffic order to help manage parking, coupled with the development work that had gone on in the previous two years, helped clarify what a sustainable parking solution could look like.
David Pretswell, of Luss and Arden Community Council, said: “This is important milestone in achieving a real improvement in the quality of life experienced for people in the village of Luss. We look forward to continuing our close dialogue with council officers to ensure that an effective and sustainable scheme is finally approved and in place for Season 2021.”
Councillor Barbara Morgan, who chaired the area committee, said: “I think we have to acknowledge that this has, at times, been a difficult process. That’s why I am delighted that everyone involved – community and council – has pulled together to find the best possible solution for everyone involved.
“We all understand how much we rely on tourism as one of our key industries. We also have to balance that against ensuring that our residents enjoy the quality of life that made them choose Argyll and Bute as the place to live and work. I hope this is an example of how, working together, we can make this happen.”