Calls for roundabout at Toll of Birness junction

A North East MP is urging the Scottish Government to improve a dangerous Aberdeenshire junction.

Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has written to ministers proposing a roundabout to replace the Toll of Birness junction.

His calls come after the road was closed for eight hours on December 7 following a collision between a car and two lorries.

A 64-year-old man was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Mr Duguid met with transport body Nestrans to discuss the new A90(N)/A952 Ellon to Peterhead and Fraserburgh appraisal.

A story map website is being developed along with an online survey for businesses and a separate survey for residents.

Potential options for improving the road corridors will be brought forward and a case will be presented to the Scottish Government.

Mr Duguid highlighted the need to reduce the "terrifying" number of collisions at the junction.

His letter read: “We continue to have a terrifying number of collisions at the junction, most recently on Thursday, December 7, when a man was taken to hospital following a crash between two lorries and a car. The road was closed for more than eight hours and resulted in paramedics and police being called to the scene.

“Sadly, as I would hope you are aware, this is only the latest in a long series of accidents on this road and this junction in particular.

“Regional transport body Nestrans support the need for the A90 to be dualled and want a roundabout to be installed at the Toll of Birness which I am in full support of. They have launched the A90(N) / A952 Ellon to Peterhead and Fraserburgh Appraisal which is now inviting feedback from local communities and businesses, as well as those who travel in the area.

Mr Duguid’s letter continued: “On Monday, December 11, I joined a meeting with Nestrans to discuss their latest study. We heard about the longstanding and continued need to dual the A90 and improve the Toll of Birness junction as well as the one at Cortes and how a project website has also been developed with online surveys for residents and businesses. I’m pleased this data will then be used to make a case to the Scottish Government for the road to finally be upgraded.

“What is particularly frustrating however is that the same issues remain which were present in the previous review back in 2016, with very little in the way of actual improvements to show for it."

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "Road safety is of paramount importance and we are working with Police Scotland and our Operating Company to understand the circumstances of the incident. As police enquiries are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. The Minister will respond to the letter in due course.”