NEW flashing signs which were supposed to increase safety at a dangerous A96 junction are out of use just a month after they were installed.
Aberdeenshire West MSP, Alexander Burnett, who wants a roundabout to be installed at the A96/A920 junction near Huntly Tesco, said the lights were a waste of taxpayers’ money if they weren’t working or not being switched on.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.
As part of a £400,000 scheme announced earlier this year, signs were installed at the junction last month to detect vehicles waiting to turn on to the A96 and warn approaching drivers.
The announcement follows the completion of the project’s first phase, which saw road markings at the junction being repainted.
Mr Burnett said the flashing signs were a “tick box exercise” for the Scottish Government instead of having to change the road layout of the junction.
The Scottish Conservative MSP said: “This is a complete embarrassment for the Scottish Government but more importantly, it’s a kick in the teeth to taxpayers whose money is being wasted like this.
“It’s farcical the signs are out of action so soon after being installed and proves that road safety on the A96 at Huntly isn’t a priority for the SNP Government.
“Rather than tackling the problem properly by installing a roundabout to replace the junction, Transport Scotland is going for the cheaper option of using this to simply tick a box and move on.
“This lack of empathy for the dangers at the junction sends the wrong message to motorists who take their life into their own hands when crossing the road.”
