Calls for dangerous Huntly junction to be replaced with roundabout

Ministers are being urged to replace a dangerous junction on the A96 following a fatal crash last week.

Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett has written to the Scottish Government asking for the A920 junction at Huntly to be replaced with a roundabout “to put a stop to more lives being lost”.

It comes after RAF Lossiemouth technician Corporal David Thorne died after he was involved in a collision at the junction on 5 March.

Mr Burnett has obtained new figures which shows traffic flow at the junction has surged by 28% in the last four years.

In 2020, 6,947 vehicles passed the junction using the A96, rising to 8,911 in 2023, prompting further calls from the MSP for the full route to be dualled from Aberdeen to Inverness.

The Scottish Conservative MSP said in his letter: “Yet another life has been lost on the A920/A96 junction by Huntly.

“I have lost count how many times I have raised concerns about this junction and called on the Scottish Government to install a roundabout in the last eight years.

“Are you ever going to do anything about this, or just ignore the issue while more lives are lost at this junction?”

Upgrade is "vital"

Mr Burnett said new electronics signs which were installed at the junction last year are not the answer to improving safety in the area.

He said: “Lives will continue to be lost if the design of this junction isn’t changed.

“The recent passing of Corporal David Thorne has had a devasting impact on the community and my thoughts go to his family during this very difficult time.

“But the recent addition of flashing signs has done little to stop these horrendous collisions from occurring as drivers are still forced to take their life in their own hands when they cross this junction.

“As well as fully dualling the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness, the upgrade of the Huntly junction to a roundabout is vital because this situation cannot go on any longer.”

A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said: "Our sympathies are with family and friends at this difficult time. As the police investigation into this accident is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

"However, as part of standard policy, our officials will meet with Police Scotland and the road Operating Company, Amey, to obtain more detailed information on this accident.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and enquiries are ongoing into the cause of the collision."

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