Just a brief note to highlight coverage of Jill Campbell’s campaign for a flyover at the notorious Laurencekirk Junction of the A90 in a recent Press & Journal article:

Campaign stepped up over killer junction

This is not a Lib Dem local campaign, it is one that is being run by Jill, Julie and other local people in the area. It really warrants cross party support, but unfortunately the other parties have not thrown their weight behind Jill.

Campaigns, Laurencekirk, Roads, SNP

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Cllr David May convener of Infrastructure Services and I met in Forfar recently to discuss the impact of the recent prolonged cold snap on roads in Forfar and across Angus. The weather has resulted in a large and unexpected repair bill for Angus Council. Temparature in Angus dipped as low as -13°C, creating significant problems for the Council whilst working hard to keep the roads open and safe.

Whilst the council had to find funds for an extra 13,000 tonnes of salt just to keep the county’s roads open, the sub-zero conditions also caused considerable damage to road surfaces and pavements, which can deteriorate at a rapid rate.

Cllr May said, “There is no doubt that old pot holes are growing and new ones forming on several main and side roads. The damage is caused by water expanding when it freezes, forcing tarmac apart and loosening the surface. Furthermore, recently repaired pot holes have opened up again. The combined effect has had a huge impact on the council’s budget”

I know that the council are already auditing the roads and prioritising the repairs, working through them as quickly as they can. I would call on the Scottish SNP Government to revisit their financial priorities and support rural councils to ensure their roads are safe. In rural areas, such as Angus, the road system is crucial for residents, businesses and farmers.

Cllr May also highlighted that Angus Council is forecasting that an additional £750,000 may be needed by March to meet the cost of winter maintenance and emergency road repairs and he said, “Although Sanjay and I have noted some pot holes and pavements in need of repair and informed the roads officials, we are not aware of all of them and so I encourage people to call ACCESSLine on 08452 777 778 to tell the council about any road and pavement damage. Furthermore, although the roads officials are inspecting the network for damage and taking action as soon as possible, it also also helpful if people in the Forfar area report potholes and broken pavements.”

Angus Council, Roads

I am calling on the SNP government to go further in improving safety at the Lochlands Junction of the A90 at Forfar. Transport Scotland have proposed closure of the central reservation of the A90/A932 due to the accidents which have occurred at that junction.

It was good to see Angus Council’s success in persuading the government of the need for improvements at Lochlands. Whilst closing the central reservation will ease the situation at Lochlands, it may simply move the problem elsewhere. There will be an impact from diverted traffic on local roads, such as the Westport junction, Westfield Loan, West and East High Street. There has to be concern about the risks from large lorries on local roads, particularly for children attending Langland’s primary school.

Visiting Lochlands Junction, and with the number of accidents at this junction, it is clear that something has to be done. There is clearly a need for a flyover, allowing Northbound traffic on the A90 to join the Dundee Road safely. I am joining the campaign to ensure the safety of the people driving to Forfar.

I will be writing to Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson to call for his support for a flyover, and I also call on SNP representatives Mike Weir, MP and Andrew Welsh, MSP to back Angus Council’s proposals.

Whilst Lochlands has a lot in common with Laurencekirk junction that I blogged about a week ago, each issue needs to be dealt with on its own merits. In particular the Lochlands junction is used by traffic heading into Forfar and beyond. This means that changing access to the junction will have a knock on effect on other junctions and roads. As a result, a flyover is the only sensible option.

A90, Angus, Campaigns, Council, Forfar, Roads, SNP

I am backing calls for a flyover at the notorious Laurencekirk Junction of the A90. The A937 junction is a well known black spot and is regularly used by North Angus commuters and shoppers making their way to Aberdeen.

There have been enough accidents at Laurencekirk and it is high time Minister for Transport, Stewart Stevenson took action. The SNP Government’s failure to act continues to demonstrate their desire to centralise decision making in Edinburgh. The SNP seems unwilling to listen to or draw on the knowledge and experience of local residents.

I have written to Minister for Transport, Stewart Stevenson asking him to take action. I am also calling on SNP representatives Mike Weir, MP and Andrew Welsh, MSP, to be independent of the SNP administration, and join our campaign to improve safety for Angus commuters and shoppers.

It was disappointing to hear that Transport Scotland see no need for a flyover and I would support the call for the Scottish Parliament to ignore the findings of the study. Saving lives should be of the highest priority when setting transport policy.

I am backing calls by local campaigner Jill Campbell, Liberal Democrats Sir Robert Smith, MP and Mike Rumbles, MSP, along with Montrose Councillors, Liberal Democrat David May and Independent Mark Salmond for the junction to be significantly upgraded.

You can find out more about by clicking here, a link to the campaign’s home page on Bebo, the social networking site.

Campaigns, Laurencekirk, Montrose, Roads, SNP