CALLS have been made for greater safety improvements on one of the North East’s most dangerous roads after new figures show two people have died and another 35 have been injured on the route in just two years.
Scottish Conservative candidate for Gordon and Buchan, Harriet Cross, spoke of her concern after statistics revealed 17 collisions occurred on the A947 between Aberdeen and Banff in 2022 and 2023.
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The 38-mile-long stretch of carriageway, which winds its way through Aberdeenshire from Banff to Aberdeen through areas including Newmachar, Oldmeldrum, Fyvie and Turriff, has been the scene of two fatalities, eight serious injuries and 27 people who have suffered “slight injuries”.
And so far this year, a man died after a two-car crash on the A947 south of Newmachar in May while in March, three men were seriously injured in a collision involving two vans near Whiterashes.
Aberdeenshire Council revealed that last year, one collision resulted in 12 people being injured.
The recent spate of crashes has prompted new 40mph speed limits on two sections of the A947 near Fyvie and at Swailend Bridge near Newmachar Golf Club.
Scottish Conservative candidate for Gordon and Buchan, Harriet Cross, said: “The people and businesses of Gordon and Buchan need change, and these horrifying statistics show just how much of a priority upgrading the A947 should be.
“We have already seen a fatality near Newmachar this year and these tragic accidents are causing heartbreak to families across the area who have lost loved ones on this dangerous road.
“I have spoken to residents in places such as Newmachar, Oldmeldrum and Turriff who all want improvements made to several dangerous junctions and corners on the route which I am fully committed to.
“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.
“The North East needs its fair share of funding which will help to stop these tragedies from occurring and reverse the label of the A947 being one of the most dangerous roads in Britain.”
