Fresh calls have been made to improve safety at a notorious junction following a spate of crashes.
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has written to Transport Secretary Michael Matheson about the problems at the Toll of Birness, and believes a roundabout could be the answer.
The junction – which takes people onto the A952 towards Fraserburgh – is regularly the scene of accidents, often blocking the busy A90 Peterhead to Aberdeen road.
Earlier this month, a man had to be freed by firefighters following a crash between a Citreon Xsara and a Vauxhall Vectra, and just two days later six people were taken to hospital after a Toyota Yaris and Volkswagen Touran collided.
Campaigners have been calling for Transport Scotland to upgrade the connection, and in May flashing signs urging drivers to slow down were installed.
Now Ms Martin has entered the debate and feels a roundabout could be the best solution to make it safer for motorists.
She has written to Mr Matheson urging him to give “serious and timely” consideration to her idea.
Ms Martin said: “For too long, the A90/A952 junction has been a risk to drivers.
“There have been a number of accidents since I became MSP for the constituency. It is time to take a proper look again at the installation of a roundabout which could help prevent more accidents from occurring.
“We need to take serious action and it is clear from constituents there is real support for investment to improve the road.”
Last night, a Transport Scotland spokesman they were continuing to monitor the junction as part of an ongoing safety review and discussions on making improvements will continue.
He said: “We recognise the importance of the A90 route north of Aberdeen and the concerns around the Toll of Birness junction. This location will continue to be monitored as part of the annual road safety review process.
“Discussions around potential development projects in the area will also continue to ensure that appropriate safety measures are considered and secured by developers where required.
“The longer term consideration of the routes and junctions north of Aberdeen will be in the context of the ongoing strategic transport appraisal, part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal, and through the second strategic transport projects review.”
