Traffic

I posted two videos which I shot in the spring of last year whilst riding the local bus services. Yes, traffic here is mercifully light. Which is why I smile when people complain about the rush hour here. Yes, we have a rush hour here. If you look at a map of Stornoway, you see that all traffic into the town (with the exception of that from the east) has to pass one roundabout, which is unavoidable. The Manor Roundabout. And many's the person who had to sit there for five whole minutes, waiting for that old fogey at the head of the queue to muster up enough courage to nose into the raging torrent of traffic.

There are a couple of bus companies in Lewis, which maintain an extremely good service, bearing in mind the island only has about 20,000 people in it, of whom 7,500 live in Stornoway, its capital. Galson Motors cover the West Side and Ness, which is the stretch north of a line from Stornoway to Callanish / Carloway. The council run buses to Tolsta, on the northeast coast, as well as to Point (Eye Peninsula). Hebridean Transport do the services on the eastern side of Lewis, to Lochs. Smaller companies cover the outermost reaches of the island.

Accidents unfortunately do happen, and often fatal. Because the roads are usually empty, the temptation to speed is great. But even without excess speed, the roads can be hazardous. The Barvas to Stornoway road is dangerous, because it is built on peat. The tarmac subsides and the road turns a bit bumpy. Anyone exceeding 75 mph on this road is liable to launch himself into orbit. The other hazards are the blind summits. 

If you ever visit, enjoy the peace and quiet. But never take your eye off the road. Even the locals get caught out.