Council pledges to look again at safety on ‘treacherous’ A923

Authority will address danger motorists face

Motorists who use the “treacherous” A923 in Perthshire may see new efforts made to improve its safety record.

The road has been the scene of numerous accidents in recent years and has claimed two lives during a dark summer on Perthshire’s roads.

Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s transport team are carrying out a full review to address the danger it poses to motorists.

Parts of the road – such as the bends towards Pitcur – have a lengthy history of collisions and casualties, but much of the road has long concerned campaigners.

In July, an 18-year-old from Coupar Angus died on the Dundee to Coupar Angus road in a one-vehicle accident close to Tullybaccart.

The following month, a 49-year-old motorcyclist from Perthshire was killed at the turn-off to Fowlis following a collision with a minibus.

In recent years measures such as antiskid surfacing, crash barriers and upgraded warning signs have been introduced to try to improve the route.

However, the latest tragedies have increased pressure for more action.

The council’s head of environmental and consumer services, Willie Young, said: “A route action plan for the A923 is being undertaken by the traffic and network team.

“It will be undertaken in consultation with local elected members and community councils.

“The first section of the route, between the Angus Council boundary and Coupar Angus, is scheduled for completion before the end of this financial year.

“Any appropriate measures identified in the review can be included in the programme of works for 2018-19.”

The pledge has been welcomed by Murdo Fraser MSP, who has been among those to call for further improvements on what he calls a “treacherous” road.

He said: “I am pleased to see that Perth and Kinross Council is aware of dangers on the A923 and is considering new measures in addition to the safety works already been installed on the route.

“This road has witnessed its fair share of tragedies in recent years and it’s important that measures are taken to ensure fewer families are faced with the loss of loved ones.

“I look forward to watching the progress of these new safety measures and will be happy to engage with the council to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to increase road safety on the A923.”

“This road has witnessed its fair share of tragedies in recent years and it’s important that measures are taken to ensure fewer families are faced with the loss of loved ones. MURDO FRASER MSP

Picture: Gareth Jennings. Murdo Fraser MSP has welcomed the news that the council is considering new measures on the A923.