Councillor says action is needed to tackle tailbacks
A campaigning councillor has written to Scotland’s transport minister seeking a commitment from him to prioritise much-needed improvements at Perth’s busy Broxden roundabout.
Perth City South councillor Willie Wilson has written to Humza Yousaf MSP highlighting Transport Scotland’s continuing investigations into possible upgrades that could be carried out at the roundabout to help alleviate the long delays commonly being experienced by drivers, particularly during rush hour periods.
The Lib Dem says there is “growing frustration” among motorists who are frequently held up in traffic at the junction and he has asked Mr Yousaf for a “personal commitment” to prioritise any improvements identified by Transport Scotland during its investigations which could help to tackle tailbacks.
Councillor Wilson’s letter to Mr Yousaf, seen by the PA, says: “I have been in regular contact with Transport Scotland regarding future arrangements for Broxden roundabout near Perth.
“As you will be aware, this roundabout forms a major feature in the road infrastructure of East Central Scotland. As present, the roundabout is more of a hindrance than a help to traffic movement.
“On various days during the week there are lengthy delays building up both in traffic coming from the Glasgow Road direction and Edinburgh/Dundee Road directions. The tailbacks also from Inverness and the North have increased a good deal over the last few months.
“There is growing frustration amongst local motorists and others who are using the roads as a bypass to Perth that the current situation with the roundabout is unsatisfactory.
“This is for several reasons [including the] lack of left turning lanes both from the Edinburgh/ Dundee Glasgow access and the Glasgow/Inverness access.
“In addition to this, road safety is a real issue. Some traffic has to cover three or four lanes in order to get into the position for the correct manoeuvre to carry out a circuit of the roundabout.
“I know that Transport Scotland are looking at a variety of options including traffic lights and left turning lanes for Glasgow and Inverness.
“However, this seems to have been taking a long time and the continuous build up to Broxden is a central link in the motorway and dual carriageway network traffic and consequent delays and costs involved are considerable. “I should be grateful to have from you a personal commitment that this scheme will receive the priority that it deserves and that once Transport Scotland have carried out a review of the options at the Broxden roundabout and which of these is to be taken forward, there will be no delay from the Scottish Government in funding the necessary alterations and improvements.” Transport Scotland previously told the PA that it is looking at the A9 and Broxden for future improvements under a forthcoming transport review.