Speed cameras on one of the north-east’s busiest roads are still switched off after nearly three months.
The cameras were installed in April on the A90 Aberdeen to Ellon Road to protect workers upgrading the carriageway as part of the AWPR project between Blackdog and Balmedie.
Last month, white average speed check signs went up on the road- leading motorists to believe they had finally been turned on.
But, last night, a spokeswoman for the North Safety Camera Unit confirmed: “The average speed cameras on the A90 near Balmedie and Blackdog are still undergoing tests by the suppliers and cannot go live until those tests are concluded.”
The decision to install the devices was taken after numerous motorists were caught travelling at nearly 100mph in the 50mph zone.
Ellon and District Councillor Gillian Owen, who is campaigning for the full length of the A90 to be dualled, urged motorists to obey the speed limit regardless of whether the cameras were in operation or not.
She said: “Whether the cameras are working or not is not the issue, there is still a speed limit of 50mph.
“There are lorries working on the AWPR overtaking motorists, and it’s because of them that there is a speed limit, so you would expect them to obey it.
“I’ve been in contact with Transport Scotland and they have said the cameras will be in operation after safety checks have been carried out. It is frustrating that they have not got them working yet.
“I have some sympathy with motorists as there are a number of bollards where there is nothing happening, but the limit is still 50mph.”
Councillor Jim Gifford, who represents the Mid-Formartine ward, said: “It’s past ridiculous. The 50mph speed limit is there for all the people working on the AWPR Balmedie to Tipperty road, and people weren’t obeying that so they put the speed cameras in.
“So for them to still not be working after all this time is ridiculous, and I have no idea why that’s not the case – there’s absolutely no reason these cameras should not be operation.
“I’ll be getting in touch with the North Safety Camera Unit as soon as possible and demanding answers.”
