COUNCIL bosses have been urged to do more to control traffic at one of Loch Lomond’s busiest visitor hotspots amid concern that the number of vehicles is causing “chaos” in the area.

Fiona Somerville contacted the Reporter to say that the recent warm weather and easing of restrictions had resulted in Auchendennan Road, which runs along the west shore of the loch north of Duck Bay Hotel, becoming “swamped” with traffic on busy days.

Ms Somerville, who runs the Water’s Edge Cottage B&B north of Duck Bay, said day trippers leaving their vehicles take “no notice” of double yellow lines and warned there would be “no chance” of an emergency vehicle getting through the parked cars to answer a 999 call in the area.

Ms Somerville said: “Parking along Auchendennan Road at Duck Bay is causing chaos.

“Swamped with visitors due to the easing of restrictions and sunny weather, coupled with an increased vehicle presence due to ongoing work at Cameron House, has caused an increase in parking along the road.

“We have witnessed many furious altercations between drivers trying to pass each other.

“Cyclists weave in and out of the vehicles trying to pass.

"It’s an accident waiting to happen.

“The area is so clogged at times that there would be no chance of a blue light vehicle getting through in an emergency.

"This has been repeatedly reported to Argyll and Bute Council.

“There is a lack of traffic wardens to cover the area, therefore the issue continues.

“The traffic wardens that do get a small window of opportunity are doing their best, which we are very thankful for, but there appears to be a serious lack of resource.

“Last year we suggested that a one way system may alleviate the situation, but were told by Argyll and Bute Council that that in itself could create a road safety issue as the cars may speed.

“Why can’t the council put in traffic calming measures to deter speeding if it became a one way system?”

Ms Somerville also asked how the council planned to effectively police the measures in its proposed new traffic regulation order (TRO) for the area – including parking meters – if it couldn’t properly enforce the measures in place at present.

“As temperatures soar, so do the tempers of drivers trying to pass,” she added.

“With the potential input of parking meters along this road by Argyll and Bute Council, how are they going to effectively police this if they cannot provide enough traffic wardens at this time?”

A council spokesperson told the Reporter: “Duck Bay is historically one of the most popular visitor spots in Argyll and Bute.

“We continue to work with partners to look at traffic management solutions including a proposal to build a new car park to accommodate more vehicles.

“We would like to remind people of the importance of responsible parking and allowing sufficient access at all times for emergency vehicles.”