Motorists urged not to try dangerous shortcut
Concerns have been raised over a “lethal” shortcut taken by drivers following their sat-nav.
There is a fear unwitting motorists’ choice to take an unclassified rural route could prove fatal.
The unclassified road between Braco and Muthill is single track, which starts at Garrick and rejoins the A822 at the war memorial in Muthill.
SNP Strathallan councillor Tom Gray has told how one driver and their passenger miraculously escaped death as their car rolled five times down the embankment.
Google Maps shows choosing this road instead of the A822 is 1.2 miles shorter and potentially one minute faster.
But Cllr Gray warned it is not a safe option for those unfamiliar with it.
He explained: “Five years ago a petition was signed by all households on this road.
“The problem is that anyone using a sat- nav device when travelling to Muthill, Crieff or Aberfeldy, from anywhere on the planet south of Braco it seems, is directed up this unclassified single track road.
“The route is very much a shortcut for commuters from north to south.
“However, when tourists or others unfamiliar with the road are added to the mix it becomes a lethal road.”
Cllr Gray went on to describe a recent incident where a car took off from the road, landing 40 to 50 feet down the embankment.
He added: “It was a brand new car that had tech alerting authorities to where they were. Without this they could have lain there for a while.”
Cllr Gray is calling for better signage.
He said: “There is a clear need to have direction signs at both ends advising that traffic adheres to the A822, however nothing has changed since the petition and the road is a serious concern.”
Perth and Kinross Council was approached for comment but the Herald had not received a response before going to press.