Police have vowed to crackdown on motorists flouting speed restrictions at a major roadworks site.
Temporary speed restrictions have been put in place across the city as work on the £745million Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) is carried out, while some lanes have also been narrowed or changed in places as construction workers work close to the road side.
But with police receiving “daily” calls about motorists failing to reduce their speed, they have now announced they will be stepping up their patrols.
The force’s north-east traffic unit and the trunk road patrol group will be upping their presence along the route, including the A90 Aberdeen to Peterhead which is being dualled between Balmedie and Tipperty.
Just last month, one driver was recorded driving at 90mph within the 50mph limit at the spot – passing within six feet of the workmen on the carriageway.
Yesterday Inspector Jon Barron, of the north-east’s road policing unit, said it was “extremely disappointing” that drivers were continuing to ignore the speed limits.
He said: “The speed limits aren’t intended to act as an obstacle to anyone’s progress. They have been introduced to make sure that everyone can stay safe, the road users and those working nearby.
“The majority of motorists are obeying restrictions and adapting their driving accordingly. However, there continues to be a small minority who flout the temporary speed limits.
“Many of those drove considerably in excess of what the restrictions are. Of these, many were local residents, including some who use the respective roads regularly.
“Not only is this extremely disappointing, but this behaviour is clearly dangerous. It has been fortunate that, in light of some of the incidents officers have witnessed to date, no-one has been injured.
“I would urge motorists to show some patience and consideration for those working in close proximity to the road. Those carrying out the works are extremely vulnerable.
“Motorists should remember that the limit represents a maximum speed, not a target to reach.”
Aberdeen Roads Limited, the contractor behind the AWPR and Balmedie to Tipperty works, backed the move and urged drivers to slow down.
General manager Malcolm Findlay said: “Every day our operatives and sub-contractors are working on the construction of the AWPR/B-T project and, as part of these works, the existing road network. We need road users to respect the temporary speed limits and traffic signals in place, for their own safety as well as that of our workforce.
“Whilst we appreciate it can sometimes be frustrating when there appears to be no obvious works in the immediate vicinity of some of the restrictions, they have been put in place as a safety measure.”
Michael McDonnell, director of Road Safety Scotland, added: “Imagine going to your work or place of education and someone charges around ignoring all the safety rules and
regulations – that’s what our contractors and operatives face on a daily basis when drivers show a blatant disregard for the temporary speed limits.
“We understand roadworks and the associated traffic management bring some degree of disruption, but these temporary measures are put in place for good reason – to protect road workers and road users alike. With a little bit of journey planning, plus consideration for other road users, everyone can get to where they are going safely.”
Meanwhile, more huge beams will today be delivered to the Hillside to Batchart overbridge, located on the southern leg of the bypass.
The 12 85ft beams are arriving on special abnormal load trucks, with the first set arriving yesterday.
A spokesman for the project, which will create a 36 mile bypass around Aberdeen, said: “Beam deliveries are integral to the project.
“We are working closely with Police Scotland and the local authorities to minimise any disruption that these deliveries may bring.”