Supporters have expressed huge relief that Jill Campbell’s petition for a flyover at Laurencekirk has not been closed. There were real concerns after Nigel Don MSP had twice suggested it be closed at previous meetings of the Scottish Parliament’s Petitions Committee.
Furthermore, supporters were delighted to learn that the Committee has asked Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson to appear before them to explain his decision not to build a flyover at Laurencekirk.
Safety figures, finally released by the Scottish Government, revealed that there have been no fatal accidents at three flyovers approved by the Minister, in comparison to four tragic fatalities at Laurencekirk, including one just last year.
Lib Dem Campaigner for Angus and Mearns, Sanjay Samani has joined local Montrose councillor David May in welcoming the news.
Commenting on the news, Sanjay said:
“Mr Stevenson has been forced to admit that congestion played a big part in his decision making. Given that he has previously stated that safety was the main criteria, it is absolutely right that he be recalled to justify his decisions to the Petitions Committee.”
“Others, like Mr Don, have also confused safety with congestion, by linking the need for a flyover to the building of new houses near Laurencekirk. Those who have supported Jill’s campaign for a long time know that the flyover needs to be built on safety grounds alone. The Government’s own figures back that up.”
Cllr May, who wrote again to the petitions committee with further evidence justifying the need for action on the junction, added:
“I am pleased that developments in Montrose have been recognised as adding to the risks of further tragic accidents at Laurencekirk. It still beggars belief that the Transport Minister has chosen to ignore the evidence he has always had in front of him.”
“I have said before that both Sanjay and I are willing to meet the SNP minister any week-day morning at 7.30 at the junction and he could see for himself the need for a flyover.”
North East MSP and Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson, Alison McInnes also commented:
“The Minister has let down everyone in the area with his cavalier approach to road safety improvements. No one locally doubts the need for proper safe junctions on this stretch of road, it is a pity that Stewart Stevenson isn’t listening.”