Potterton community calls for action over HGV ‘rat run’ issues on rural Aberdeenshire route
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Calls have been made to end Potterton’s “traffic misery” by introducing measures to stop HGVs from using the village as a rat run.
Mid-Formartine Councillor Derek Ritchie say residents have had to endure a rise in the number of speeding lorries passing by their doorsteps following the opening of the AWPR.
This backs community calls to reduce the speed limit at Milton of Potterton and highlights fears that lorries are taking up the width of the road, making it difficult for other vehicles to pass.
On a visit to hear the concerns of the Potterton community, residents spoke of how a surge in traffic was making their lives a “misery”, resulting in more crashes along the route.They also said the large volume of vehicles makes it impossible to safely walk or cycle along the route. The issue is to be discussed by councillors, road officers and the police at an upcoming area meeting later this month.
Scottish Conservative Mid-Formartine Councillor Derek Ritchie said: “I’m hoping to work with Aberdeenshire Council to achieve a sensible speed restriction which will help to ensure lorries are being rerouted to the bypass instead of through Potterton. I also want another site visit to take place to show the dangers that people are having to contend with on a daily basis.Residents put up with the hardship of dealing with the AWPR building work several years ago thinking they would reap the benefits.However, the constant rat running by HGVs, irresponsible speeding and buses being blocked by these industrial vehicles is placing misery on residents.”
Potterton resident John Hopkins, who has lived in the community for more than 30 years, said: “While the AWPR has undoubtedly made a significant impact to our area of Aberdeenshire, it has resulted in misery for the community of Potterton The rural country road connections to the AWPR that twist and turn through blind bends and summits are now the main route from the AWPR to the B999.These rural roads are struggling to cope with the huge volumes of traffic, including large HGVs up to 44 tons. Enough is enough. There have been numerous instances of properties being damaged due to collisions and this must be put to an end.”
