North-east residents were given their first chance to express their views on how to improve transport between Aberdeen and Fraserburgh at a public consultation last night.
The first of four meetings was held at the Bridge of Don’s Express Inn where people were shown what could be done next year to make the journey easier for commuters.
Nestrans, the transport partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire, is considering changing the A90 Aberdeen to Fraserburgh road by making parts of it a dual carriageway and improving junctions, bringing in a better bus service and introducing a rail service.
Consultants Sias Transport Planners and Peter Brett Associated (PBA) have been brought in to help gauge public opinion.
Chris Paterson, of PBA, explained why the public consultations are going ahead.
He said: “We’ve identified a number of different options, and a range of these could be taken forward.
“We’ve also highlighted three key issues in regard to transport – the first is journey times, the second is road safety and the third is limited choice for people travelling.
“We’re now looking to find out from people in the area how best to address these.”
Local Ruth Riddell, who was at the meeting in Bridge of Don yesterday, gave her view on what should be done.
The retiree from Bucksburn said: “There needs to be a dual carriageway set up on the A90, it will make driving easier and safer.”
The next consultation will take place today at Ellon’s New Inn from 4 to 7pm.
The series will be concluded with meetings at the same time at the Community Centre in Fraserburgh on Monday and in the Apex Church in Peterhead the following day.
Councillor Paul Johnston, of the Mid Formartine ward, encouraged as many people as possible to get involved.
He said: “My own preference is to restore the rail service as a means of rail transportation.
“As it is, one accident can block off the whole of the A90 and mean delays for hundreds of people.
“As many people should get involved in these public exhibitions as possible because if they don’t give their opinions the decisions will be taken by people without the local knowledge.”
Nestrans is expected to make a decision on the dualling early next year.