Joshua King
A north-east MSP has called for urgent improvements to a north-east road which has been the scene of more than 20 fatal collisions in the last decade.
Scottish Conservative, Peter Chapman, has tabled a parliamentary motion, calling for action from both local and national governments “as soon as possible” to make the A947 Aberdeen to Banff route safer.
The move comes just days after 49-year-old George Wiseman was killed in a collision near Oldmeldrum.
Recent figures from Aberdeenshire Council highlighted that the rate of serious or fatal collisions on the 41-mile route was around 60% higher than the national average.
Last night, Mr Chapman said: “I have called on parliament to express sorrow at the latest death on this road which has been in need of safety improvements and upgrades for some time.
“I have been pleased to see the work that Aberdeenshire Council has undertaken so far in exploring options for the A947, but we need to see a greater involvement from the Scottish Government.”
Mr Chapman described the 20-year improvement vision which Aberdeenshire Council is working towards as “far too long”.
He added: “The dangers of the A947 are well-known to all those who use the road daily.
“There have been dozens of accidents and tragically, 11 fatalities in the last five years.”
The Tory MSP is seeking increased driver education and new overtaking lanes along the route.
Last night, Aberdeenshire Council’s head of transportation, Ewan Wallace, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the family of Mr Wiseman on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council.
“As Mr Chapman identifies, we have a long-term strategy to address issues along the A947 between Banff and Aberdeen. Once fully developed, these will have to be considered and prioritised alongside other important local projects.”
A spokeswoman for government body Transport Scotland added that, although the local council was responsible for the road, they would continue to improve driver education.
That was backed by road safety charity Brake, which has repeatedly raised concerns about the A947.
Spokesman Jack Kushner said: “It’s tragic to see this dangerous stretch of road has claimed yet another life.
“As a charity which supports road crash victims and their families, we fully support this campaign to improve safety on Aberdeenshire’s roads.”
