MP calls for safety improvements on the A947
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The A947 has previously been described as one of the most dangerous roads in Britain and now a local MP is calling for greater safety improvements as new figures show dozens of people injured on road since 2020.
David Duguid MP has called for greater safety improvements to be made on one of the north-east’s most dangerous roads after new figures showed dozens of people have been injured on the route since 2020.
The Banff and Buchan MP spoke of his concern after statistics from Police Scotland revealed 30 people have suffered injuries on the A947 between Aberdeen and Banff between 2020 and the end of last year.
The 38-mile-long stretch of carriageway, which winds its way through Aberdeenshire from Banff to Bucksburn on the outskirts of Aberdeen, has been the scene of three fatal crashes in as many years while 14 people have been left in a serious condition following collisions on the notorious route.
In addition, another five people were taken to hospital earlier this month after a two-car crash at the Montbletton junction, near Macduff
In 2014, Aberdeenshire Council approved the development of a long-term route improvement strategy for the A947.
Over a 20-year timeframe, the strategy aims to reduce the number of accidents on the road, improve journey time, enable housing and employment growth along the corridor, improve public transport access and reduce driver frustration.
But Mr Duguid says the figures show that little improvement has been made to prevent tragedies on the route.
He said: “The A947 is a major route for people and businesses of Banff and Buchan and has previously been described as one of the most dangerous roads in Britain but these figures do very little to change that horrendous label.
“Since the improvement strategy was approved, we have seen very little change in safety measures on the road.
“Aberdeenshire Council remains one of the lowest funded local authorities in Scotland and this is clearly having an impact on road maintenance and investment on the A947.
“UK Government funding for strategic transport projects may be available which of course I stand ready to assist the council in seeking.
“It’s vital that specific safety improvements are made, particularly to a number of dangerous junctions and corners on the route, to prevent more devastating tragedies from occurring and I will continue to press the council on what steps it is making to alleviate the growing number of collisions on the road.”
At the latest meeting of the councils infrastructure services committee on January 26, as part of the strategic transport update, the A947 Route Improvement and Levelling Up fund Bid was discussed.
With the support of the Levelling Up Member Officer Working Group an external review of the A947 Route Action Plan and route enhancement projects has been taking place with the supportof AECOM consultants who developed the Route Action Plan and who have been involved with successful Leveling Up Fund bids south of the border.
The report noted: "With a view to future funding opportunities the approach has been taken to look at the business case more holistically while still retaining a focus on the criteria for the Levelling Up Fund.
"The work has now been complete with the final report being reviewed prior to being presented to elected members in early 2023."
It was also noted in the report that a safety review on the A947 in relation to the Swailend bridge junction has also been undertaken; The section of the road was placed under a temporary speed limit, for which the signage remains in place.
