Confusion at Moray road junction leads to monitoring call

Douglas Ross – concern over road junction in his Fochabers/Lhanbryde ward.

CONCERNS RAISED OVER a busy Moray road junction prompted an appeal to Transport Scotland from regional MSP Douglas Ross.

Now after receiving a response Mr Ross is calling for greater monitoring at the roundabout to the east of Fochabers, appealing for anyone involved in a collision there to report it to police – as he insists the current layout is still causing considerable confusion for many motorists.

Mr Ross said: “It’s quite clear that confusion still exists amongst many road users as to what the correct lane is for vehicles travelling to Fochabers, with conflicting advice being given.

“I have been contacted by several constituents about this and I know it has been raised in the past by Lennox Community Council and many others. As with any new road layout, driver education is important to ensure the safety of all.

“Transport Scotland have told me that since the opening of the Fochabers Bypass there have been no record of any injury accidents taking place at this location however many people know of collisions which have happened or near misses.

“Transport Scotland have given a commitment to monitor this location to identify if there are any issues which may require further investigation and I would urge anyone who has any sort of accident on the roundabout to report it to the police to ensure Transport Scotland have all the information in the future.

“Their response to me clarified their understanding of the lanes to be used. As the Fochabers local access road is the third exit for road users entering the roundabout from the A98, lane two, the right lane, should be used on this approach.

“I had hoped they would consider additional road markings on this approach, as requested by a constituent but at present they will not do that. Therefore I would urge drivers to remain vigilant when crossing the A96 into the village to ensure their own safety and that of other road users.”