'Keep left on Highland roads' says Badenoch MSP
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Badenoch's MSP is appealing for more help from navigation systems to keep motorists on the right side of Highland roads.
Kate Forbes (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) has written to leading satellite navigation firms such as Apple and Google Maps to see whether they can provide additional safety features on navigation devices.
Because some sat navs and smartphones give users a reminder of the speed limit, the local Holyrood member hopes that a similar notice can be given so that tourists stay on the left hand side.
Ms Forbes is supporting the ‘Keep Left’ campaign, which was launched after one of her constituents was injured in a crash with a tourist’s car on Skye last year.
“Nobody intentionally drives on the wrong side of the road, but clearly we’ve got to do more to remind visitors to drive on the left," said Ms Forbes.
“Having contacted all the car hire companies to raise awareness of this issue, I’ve started looking at other points of contact with tourists.
“I’m sure that many will be using a navigation device, whether a GPS, SatNav, Google or Apple maps.
“Already, these devices usually remind drivers not to touch it whilst driving and to keep to the speed limit.
“As such, I have contacted the tech companies to ask if they could develop them further to remind drivers to drive on the left.
“This could be done either verbally whilst driving or a warning sign before the start of a journey. Either way, it is another way of reminding drivers as they drive to keep left.”
She has already met with Transport Scotland, VisitScotland and Highland Council officials to see what small improvements can be made before the peak tourist season.
