MSP Welcomes Transport Minister's Positive Response on A90 Blackspot

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed a response received from Transport Minister Nicol Stephen on road safety on the A90 south of Fraserburgh.

Mr Stevenson took local concerns to a meeting with the Transport Minister in November after several fatal accidents on the A90 near the Invernorth and Gash junctions. At that meeting, Mr Stevenson obtained a pledge from the Minister that he would study the reports of recent accidents on this particular stretch of road with a view to improving road safety.

Mr Stevenson commented:

“This area has been the scene of a number of serious accidents in recent years, including two fatal accidents in recent months. I met with the Transport Minister Nicol Stephen recently to discuss this issue with him.

“I am pleased that the Minister has agreed that the accident record of this stretch of road warrants further attention. The road is now to be included in those to be subject to the next stage of the process which will involve a detailed examination of the scene.

“The Minister has given a commitment that measures identified will be implemented in the new financial year so I hope that the examnation process can be done fairly quickly.”

In a letter to Mr Stevenson, the Minister for Transport states:

“My officials have assessed the accident record for this location. They have informed me that in view of the accidents that occurred in the latter part of 2003 they have included this section of trunk road in the list of sites currently being investigated by BEAR to determine whether any Accident Investigation & Prevention measures can be implemented to improve safety. Any measures identified will be included in the 2004-05 programme of safety improvements.”

Road safety and accident prevention is one of Stewart Stevenson’s priorities. In recent weeks he has obtained a commitment from Aberdeenshire Council that safety improvements will be carried out on the Fraserburgh-Rosehearty road at the ‘Point of the Dyke’ and has also received answers to Parliamentary Questions on the dualling of the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty which revealed that upgrading is being considered.