Drivers heading to Fochabers for Speyfest next week are being advised to plan ahead, with temporary prohibition of waiting orders in place on three village streets and a series of ongoing works on surrounding routes likely to slow journeys.
Parking restrictions during Speyfest
The temporary no‑waiting measures will run from 22–27 July to support the staging of the major international music festival. Parking will not be permitted on the following streets in Fochabers:
- Burnside Road
- East Street
- Christie Place
Visitors are urged to use designated parking areas and allow extra time for arrival and departure. Residents should check local notices for access arrangements and any temporary signage on affected streets.
Bridge works and expected delays
Separately, works continue on the New Fochabers Bridge, scheduled to run until 19 September. The programme includes some night‑time closures. At peak times, queues are likely due to traffic lights controlling both approaches to the bridge. Motorists should anticipate delays and consider travelling outside busy periods where possible.
Resurfacing and utilities across Moray
Road and street works are ongoing in several towns. Start dates and durations are estimates and may change without notice. The current position is as follows:
| Location | Nature of work | Indicative dates |
|---|---|---|
| Fochabers (Charlotte Street to Westmorland Street) | Resurfacing | Under way |
| A98 (C17e at Swiss Cottage to A990 junction) | Resurfacing | Due to commence by 24 July for 7 working days |
| Buckie, opposite 2 St Helena Brae | SSEN substation maintenance | 22 July |
| Buckie, Shanks Lane | Streetlight column replacement (Moray Council) | Finishes by 21 July |
| Buckie, Milton Drive | Resurfacing | Should have begun by 24 July for 7 working days |
| Buckie, Scott Terrace | Resurfacing | Should have begun by 24 July for 7 working days |
| Buckie, Drifter car park past Marchmont Crescent to roundabout | Resurfacing | Should have begun by 24 July for 7 working days |
| Findochty, Mackenzie Street and Cliff Streets | Streetlight replacement (Moray Council) | Due to complete by 23 July |
| Portknockie, Bridge Street area | Resurfacing | Scheduled to start by 24 July for 7 working days |
What drivers should do
With event traffic, bridge controls and multiple resurfacing schemes overlapping, journey times around Fochabers and the coastal corridor may be longer than usual. To minimise disruption:
- Plan ahead: check the latest local roadworks updates before setting off.
- Allow extra time: factor in delays near the New Fochabers Bridge and festival routes.
- Observe signage: temporary restrictions will be marked on‑street; follow marshal or contractor directions where present.
- Consider alternatives: where practical, choose off‑peak travel or alternative routes to avoid controlled sections.
Why this matters for residents and visitors
Speyfest brings a short, concentrated period of higher traffic volumes to Fochabers, alongside existing infrastructure works. The temporary no‑waiting orders are designed to keep routes clear for pedestrians, festival logistics and emergency access. The bridge and resurfacing projects, while unrelated to the event, will affect journey times across the week and into late July at several points on the network.
Organisers, contractors and the council have indicated that dates and durations are indicative and may change at short notice. Travellers can stay informed by checking Moray roadworks updates and official traffic information channels before they travel.
