Highlands MSP calls for roadworks review
A Highland MSP has called on the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to look again at the rules surrounding the country’s roadworks.
Scottish Labour spokesperson on transport David Stewart wants changes to be made to help reduce driver frustration.
"The sight of mile after mile of traffic cones and reduced speed limits, only for work to be taking place on a single small stretch of road is a source of frustration for motorists," claimed Stewart.
"What I am proposing is that roadworks are completed in phases on trunk roads. Motorists would then only have short stretches of road where road works would actually be undertaken rather than mile after mile and there would only be a limit number of roadworks allowed within a set distance."
He continued: "Motorists can currently expect to encounter one set of roadworks and pass through it, only to come across another different set within a few miles and then more a few miles after that.
"This all contributes to the frustration drivers experience and is an area where I think we should focus our attention. We know that by reducing frustration we make our roads safer.
"Take the A9 for example, we have to accept that works need to take place to improve the road, in this case to dual capacity. However, do we have to have five miles of roadworks between Kincraig and Dalraddy? Should this not be limited to two miles at a time?
"I will be writing to the transport minister suggesting that the government look at new proposals coming into force in England where roadworks cannot be longer than two miles at one stretch."
