Drivers in Turriff are all too aware of the problems with the A947 but recent statistics bring home just how dangerous the road can be.
30 people have suffered injuries on the A947 between Banff and Aberdeen between 2020 and the end of last year.
The 38-mile-long stretch of carriageway, which winds its way through Aberdeenshire from Banff to Bucksburn on outskirts of Aberdeen, has been the scene of three fatal crashes in as many years while 14 people have been left in a serious condition following collisions on the notorious route.
Despite a long term improvement plan from Aberdeenshire Council, these latest figures, which only confirm what residents already know, shows that little improvement has been made to prevent tragedies on the route.
Aberdeenshire Council remains one of the lowest funded local authorities in Scotland and this is clearly having an impact on road maintenance and investment on the A947.
UK Government funding for strategic transport projects may be available and I will be seeking a meeting with Council officers to discuss their plans to improve safety on this road.
It’s vital that measures are taken to prevent more devastating tragedies from occurring.
I wrote to Aberdeenshire Council in January about the confusing signage in place at Turriff Recycling Centre.
I have been contacted by a number of residents, and have seen for myself, the haphazard display.
Readers will know I worked hard last year to lobby for the removal of booking systems and thankfully the Council did remove them in many areas.
However, in Turriff it was decided to run a trial hybrid system with the aim of collecting information to help with deciding the long-term future of the centre’s operation.
But, with signage reminding people to book being displayed on non-booking days, it is clear that this will cause confusion and likely skew any data collected.
The longer these problems persist, the more likely it is for fly-tipping to increase and our countryside to be needlessly damaged across Aberdeenshire.
Finally, there was a serious incident of someone forcing their way into Peterhead Academy last week armed with a knife.
Thankfully, staff were able to disarm the intruder, and no one was hurt.
It could have ended very differently.
I commend the staff for their actions ensuring the safety of pupils but their own safety should also be considered.
Thankfully this kind of incident is extremely rare – but adequate measures to protect everyone in our schools and learning centres must be assured.
I have therefore asked to meet with the local Police Area Commander to discuss this specific incident and school safety more generally.
