Meeting of the Parliament 13 November 2024
I listened to Christine Grahame’s comments earlier, and it is certainly worth reflecting on that point. We would have to look at the consequences of her proposal and at whether it would result in less money, but I recognise that it is worth reflecting on.
What I am trying to say is that the people at Gray & Adams know what they are doing. They told me that, if the SNP shows no signs of dualling the roads, as it promised to do two decades ago, it could surely at least consider some passing lanes on the A952, to avoid frustration and risky manoeuvres, or at the Toll of Birness, where HGV drivers take their lives in their hands when exiting the junction on to the A90 from the A952.
Those from Gray & Adams note that concerns have been raised that a roundabout might not solve the issue, as it would slow the flow of traffic and still present risks, given the number of HGVs, buses and agricultural tractors at that point. They highlight that a number of knowledgeable voices have proposed a single-carriageway flyover from the A952 on to the southbound A90, with an additional slip road for traffic turning north off the A952 going north. I hear that that solution could address the safety concerns about that junction, allow for free-flowing traffic in all directions and require a fraction of the cost and, I presume, the planning that other suggestions would involve.
The key point is that the people who know the road, and know the dangers of turning in an HGV, have the solutions, which they are happy to share with anyone who will listen. They will be as disappointed as I am that not one SNP MSP who represents the north-east has bothered to come to the chamber tonight to listen to the debate. It is a disgrace. The solutions that those MSPs would have heard about are cheaper, easier and quicker.
A few years ago, when I was learning about the dangerous Candy junction, I sat in the cab of a Douglas F Mitchell haulage HGV to experience the terror of a right turn on the A90. The experience has never left me. That is why representatives from Gray & Adams have offered the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, and any other member from the chamber or from the council—or, indeed, anyone who can help and needs to understand—the opportunity to join them. They propose to collect in Ellon, take the A90 to Peterhead, go round the Broch and go down to Ellon via the A952 and through Mintlaw, with a right turn at the Toll of Birness. I know that anyone who sees what it is really like to drive those roads in an HGV will definitely take notice and start actively seeking to change things—