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Aberdeenshire MSP calls for action at Toll of Birness, despite her own party ruling it out


By David Porter

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Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin is calling for action to improve safety on the A90 road particularly around the Toll of Birness, an issue which she has campaigned for over many years.

She is asking Scottish Government to give timely and serious consideration to investments to improve the road and what’s known to be a dangerous junction at the Toll of Birness.

The Aberdeenshire East MSP has called for consideration of the installation of a roundabout in the past, suggesting that it could help prevent more car accidents from occurring.

But just two weeks ago the Scottish Government revealed it will not dual the A90 between Ellon and Peterhead after plans were rejected in favour of “climate change” measures.

Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth told MSPs that climate action was more appropriate that potentially live saving upgrades.
Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth told MSPs that climate action was more appropriate that potentially live saving upgrades.

Transport minister Jenny Gilruth admitted that a plan to dual the road was considered in December but later thrown out after an “extensive evidence-based process”.

Ms Martin has been contacted by constituents who have raised their concerns for the road around the Toll of Birness, citing the high number of accidents on the road and severe traffic congestion.

A car accident involving four cars has occurred at the junction on Thursday morning, which resulted in the carriageway being restricted in both directions.

Gillian Martin MSP has written to the Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth MSP to ask what the Scottish Government is doing to make improvements to this dangerous part of the A90 and how the government is working with Aberdeenshire Council on this issue.

Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said: “Improvements to the road at the Toll of Birness junction are long overdue, and I’ve been campaigning on this issue since my election in 2016.

"The current state of this part of the A90 is not suitable or safe - I’m strongly encouraging the Scottish Government and Aberdeenshire Council to review the junction of the trunk road and adjacent local authority road and to make serious considerations of safety improvements.

“There have been too many accidents on this road so it’s time that we take action, and I’m confident of the high degree of support from my constituents for investment to improve the road.

"I look forward to hearing from the Minister on what work is being done between Scottish Government and Aberdeenshire Council to deliver improved safety for road users around the Toll of Birness.”


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