The pedestrian area in Stornoway Town Centre was originally introduced to allow a safe space for both shoppers and pedestrians. The Stornoway Town Centre Prohibition of Access Order 2006 restricted access between 10.30am and 6pm allowing only permitted vehicles to the area, permits were only issued for specific deliveries. Disabled badge holders and taxis are not exempt from the restriction.

Through time this area has become busier with vehicles making the area less safe. Following a review, updated permits have now been issued.  Permitted vehicles will be easily identified as permits will be visibly displayed on the dashboard, displaying permitted times and duration. As an extra safety precaution, and to aid identification of non-compliant vehicles, permitted vehicles will now need to have their hazard lights on as they move through the restricted zone.

There is a maximum penalty of £100 and 3 penalty points which Police Scotland can impose on anyone who uses the precinct, during the restricted access times, without a permit or exemption. Any vehicles requiring temporary permits, such as work vans, should apply to CNES as normal. 

It is hoped this will make a safer space for pedestrians and a more appealing town centre for shoppers.

Cllr Iain Macaulay, Chair of the Stornoway Town Centre Sub-Committee stated:

“Unfortunately, the existing access order has been heavily abused, and we get a lot of complaints from families who wish to utilise this area as a safe place with children or elderly relatives who constantly feel they have to move out of the way due to vehicle drivers. With these new passes, and rules regarding hazard lights in place, this should aid the police in identifying unpermitted vehicles and therefore make the pedestrian experience in town more enjoyable, benefitting shops and the public alike”.