A controversial Moray roundabout that confuses road users due to its lack of visible signage could be improved after Transport Scotland agreed to liaise with the local authority.
The Fochabers East roundabout has been the subject of regular complaints from local residents and frequent users of the A96 Inverness to Aberdeen trunk route, because of a lack of clarification of the correct lanes that need to be used.
Moray MP Douglas Ross wrote to the Chief Executive of Transport Scotland and highlighted a number of incidents at the location while calling for improved signage.
He said: “The issue of road safety where the A98 meets the A96 at the Fochabers East roundabout is one I have raised on a number of occasions with Transport Scotland.
“Local residents and regular commuters have contacted me following a number of incidents and near misses at this roundabout.
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“Whilst, to date, they have only been minor bumps with damage to vehicles and fortunately no serious injury, it should not take a serious accident to highlight the need for better and more visible signage at this roundabout.
“I welcome, finally, the clarification in writing from Transport Scotland, that the correct lane for all vehicles travelling from the A98 and wishing to either enter Fochabers or head west along the A96 is the right hand lane, lane two.
“Many vehicles are using lane one to drive round the roundabout to enter Fochabers or indeed travel towards Elgin, cutting off motorists as they do so.”
Transport Scotland agreed to liaise directly with Moray Council to see if appropriate lane destination signage can be installed on the A98 approach to this roundabout.
Local councillor for Fochabers Lhanbryde, Marc Macrae, is a frequent user of the roundabout and is pleased to see action being finally taken.
He said: “This is an issue I am well aware of as a regular traveller along the A98 to Buckie, witnessing and at times experiencing near misses on many occasions.
“In the last few years, clarification has been sought from both Transport Scotland and Police Scotland with at times differing answers coming from different officials.
“With this firm clarification in writing from the chief executive of Transport Scotland, I will work alongside Douglas to ensure this matter is raised promptly with council officials and strive to make our roads as safe as they can be for all road users.”
