Transport Scotland has concluded that signage and new road markings are not needed at an A90 underpass despite a lorry driving the wrong way towards traffic and narrowly missing oncoming vehicles.
Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross has spoken of her concern at the outcome of an investigation by roads bosses on the B9000 slip road at the Newburgh turn-off, and has warned similar incidents may occur due to signage not being clear enough.
Ms Cross wrote to the transport body calling for new, clearer signage, and road markings for drivers approaching the underpass junction who were looking to head northbound.
It followed a stomach-turning moment when a lorry narrowly avoided a collision as it drove the wrong way towards oncoming traffic, forcing a car to break suddenly.
After managing to manoeuvre off the slip road, the lorry then drove onto the A90 in the wrong direction.
But despite this, and following a letter from the MP, Transport Scotland confirmed it conducted an urgent review of the layout and visibility of the signage, saying that further improvements, including road markings, would be “contrary to standards”.
Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross said: “While I appreciate an investigation being carried out the day after the incident occurred, I am disappointed and concerned by Transport Scotland’s outcome.
“This incident should act as a catalyst for improvements to be made.
“The fact that such an incident could have happened at all should be enough of a warning to the authorities.
“Drivers shouldn’t be made to wait until another incident of this kind occurs before action is taken to address this issue.
“The result of this could have been catastrophic.
“The layout and current signage at the junction are clearly insufficient to prevent a dangerous mistake from happening, particularly for drivers who may be unfamiliar with the area.
“That is why I’m shocked that Transport Scotland is seemingly willing to risk the safety of motorists by not making the necessary improvements required to at least ensure the signage is clearer for everyone.”
In response to the letter calling for improvements to be made, Hugh Gillies, of Transport Scotland, said: “A site visit was completed along with a general review of the layout and visibility of the existing signage and road markings, which confirms that they remain in good condition and meet the appropriate safety standards.
“The application of any further road markings, including ‘No Entry’ markings would be contrary to the standards.”
