Average speed cameras have come into operation on the north-east’s busiest road – more than three months after they first appeared.
Last night, it was claimed the introduction of the controversial devices on the A90 Aberdeen to Fraserburgh road between Balmedie and Blackdog would make the route safer.
The cameras were brought in after motorists continued to flout a 50mph speed limit, which was implemented to protect workers constructing a new Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route flyover.
However, “testing” issues – which are said to have caused problems sending images from the cameras to a control room in Dundee – meant the cameras were unable to function for months.
Yesterday the average speed cameras came into effect with no issues.
Mid-Formartine councillor, Paul Johnston, said: “I have been a strong advocate – when most of my colleagues were not – of average speed cameras.
“They are there for safety, and while they may irritate people, we are not worried about irritation, we are worried about safety; the safety of people who have to work at the side of the road. But also the safety of people travelling.
“They do increase safety, there is plenty of evidence that they do. More importantly, average speed cameras can actually make the traffic flow better. It is one of the better ways of regulating speed.
“It will be good, it has been disappointing that the Scottish Government has not been able to switch them on for a long period of time.”
The co-leader of the Democratic Independent and Green Group at Aberdeenshire Council claimed that local opinion on the cameras was “50-50” for and against.
A Transport Scotland spokesman added: “The average speed cameras which were installed on the A90 between Blackdog and Balmedie to improve the safety of road workers and road users are now operational.
“It is expected that these will stay in place until the works are complete and the reduced temporary speed limit is removed from this section of the A90.
“We would ask all road users to drive carefully through the works.”
Additionally, traffic lights have been put in place at Balmedie at the Old Road junction during rush hours due to the close of the village’s Eigie Road crossing.
