ABOUT THE ICA
MISSION
We will be a positive voice for a dynamic, prosperous, thriving, Inverness city centre
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We will campaign for unobstructed access that protects the interests of all key stakeholders, encourages increased levels of passing trade, footfall and visitors, and preserves the viability of local businesses
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We will engage with decision-makers to prioritise investment that creates an environment conducive to a thriving city centre
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We will promote policies that recognise the unique position of Inverness as a regional hub, and preserves full access for residents across the Highlands, particularly those under-served by public transport
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We will work to ensure equal and convenient access for all, and not discriminate between transport modes
INFRASTRUCTURE
We will respond to all consultations regarding infrastructure proposals that may affect the city centre and it's stakeholders, taking into consideration the views of our members, and seeking to avoid disproportionate impact being focused upon some groups over others.
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Our responses will fit within this general framework:
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We will advocate for infrastructure that is fit for purpose and geared towards the sustainable green electric or hydrogen future of both private vehicles and public transport
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We will support efficient designs that promote the shortest, most efficient, and therefore greenest routes for vehicle traffic of all types
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We will vigorously campaign against any proposed changes that put at risk the viability of employment and investment in the city centre
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We will ensure that wherever possible infrastructure design is geared towards the unique status of Inverness as a tourist destination, start and finish of the NC500, and regional hub city
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We will resist proposals that discriminate against particular travel modes, risk reducing visitor numbers to the city centre, or that seek to make life more difficult for city centre users unless adequate alternatives are fully implemented in advance of such changes
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Our guiding principles are that any changes to infrastructure should meet the following criteria:
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1. Must make it easier, not harder, for people to visit the city centre no matter which mode of transport they choose
2. Should not adversely affect local businesses who may be reliant upon existing access provisions meeting the needs of their business, employees, customers and suppliers
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3. Should encourage an increase in both passing trade and footfall as well as total visitor numbers
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4. Incorporate future proofing for the end of petrol and diesel vehicle sales in 2030, by radically increasing charging points, vehicle access, and parking, to support the clean and green future of electrified travel that is almost upon us
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5. Ensure that all options are considered and that infrastructure is designed for the local needs of Inverness, from the ground up, and with the consent of the general public
WORKING TOGETHER
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We will make every effort to positively engage with councillors, council officers and all consultations where appropriate
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We will encourage our members to engage positively with councillors, council officers and all consultations where appropriate
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We will represent the views of our members to all relevant parties, and share the results of that representation with members
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We will be a politically neutral body, unaffiliated to any political party, and willing to work with anyone that shares our goals of building the best possible future for our city
