Timber hauliers operating in Scotland can expect to take longer detours following the publication of a new Agreed Routes Map.
The new map, which sets out the routes hauliers should take to avoid weak and sub-standard roads in the Highland Council area, takes into account the deteriorating condition of roads since the publication of the last map five years ago.
Although the result of a consensus approach between timber growers, processors and the Highland Council, it is admitted that the distances travelled by hauliers via recommended detours are becoming lengthier.
Richard Evans, resource planning manager at the Highland Council, said: ‘We reckon we need to spend £80m to keep Highland roads in a reasonable condition, but our roads budget is £2.5m per year. As the standard of the roads gets worse so the detours are getting more extensive.’
The map can be viewed at all Forestry Commission and Forest Enterprise offices.
