A petition has been launched against plans to lower the speed limit on two sections of one of the main tourist routes in the Highlands, the A87 to Skye.
Transport Scotland has been reviewing speed limits on rural roads across the country, to see if they area at still appropriate. Some have been recommended for an increase.
But the first six and a half miles of the road from Invergarry to the Viewpoint and the 12.5 miles from Cluanie Inn to Kintail Lodge Hotel have both have been earmarked for lower limits, reducing from them 60 mph to 50mph.
However Shona MacLennan, chair of the Dornie and District Community Council, has started an online petition which already has well over 700 signatures.
She said:
"The recommendations will not make the road safer. It will have the opposite effect. Currently, frequent users travel at 60mph as is allowed; many tourists and other infrequent users travel at a much slower speed, causing tailbacks and frustration.
"The stretches of road where Transport Scotland want the speed reduced include the few places where it is possible to overtake slow moving vehicles. If the speed limit is 50mph, more people will risk overtaking when it's not safe and the net effect will be a more dangerous road. "
Ross, Skye and Lochaber MSP Dave Thompson will meet transport minister Derek Mackay, tomorrow , to discuss the matter.
But A Transport Scotland spokesman said the reductions were to improve road safety. He said the draft traffic order for Invergarry to the Viewpoint would be published this month.
However " Following recent public concerns, Transport Scotland will place further adverts and the proposed objection period for the Cluanie Inn to Kintail Lodge Hotel proposal will be extended to March 5. As part of this process, there will be a detailed consideration of any comments received."
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