Speed limits on a north-east road may be significantly reduced in an effort to improve safety at two junctions.
Motorists could be restricted to 40mpm – rather than the current 60mph – on the A93 Aberdeen to Ballater road.
There have been widespread calls for such action in light of a series of accidents in recent years.
The junctions being targeted are that at the Milton of Crathes development and at Crathes Castle.
An Aberdeenshire Council report notes there are “two busy junctions in succession”, with the one to the east serving Crathes Castle and one to the west the newly reopened Royal Deeside Railway.
It adds: “The road is unlit and has a footway running along the north section, with bus stops on both sides of the road.
“Between 2010 and 2017, there were eight recorded accidents on this section of road.
“Local residents and the National Trust for Scotland at Crathes Castle have requested that measures be taken to improve road safety at this location.
“The provision of a 40mph speed limit can aid the mobility of individuals with disabilities by reducing traffic speeds, thereby making vehicular access to the visitor attractions safer and by making it safer for pedestrians to cross the road.”
The report also notes that the proposed speed limit reduction would have no negative impacts.
The planned new 40mph zone would extend nearly a mile (2km) east and west of the two junctions.
Councillors will discuss the plan when it goes before the Marr area committee next week.
It will be presented before a consultation with relevant parties, such as police, community councils and the Road Haulage Association.
Following that, the authority’s proposal would go to a 21 day public consultation.
In the event of any objections, a further report would be submitted to the committee.
