Murdo Fraser MSP has written to the Transport Secretary to ask what can be done to solve the problem of long tailbacks of vehicles at the Swallow Roundabout caused by a new traffic system.
The Scottish Conservative politician decided to write to Fiona Hyslop MSP following complaints from several constituents about the new traffic light system that has been installed at the roundabout, located on the outskirts of Dundee.
Developers Springfield altered the junction at the Swallow Roundabout in a bid to ease potential congestion caused by the construction of 700 new homes at Dykes of Gray.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “The roundabout is now complete but I have had several complaints from irate constituents stating that the new traffic system is causing many problems, including long tailbacks of traffic on a daily basis, sometimes stretching back as far as the nearby village of Longforgan, located in the Carse of Gowrie.
“I know from speaking to local Councillor Angus Forbes, that more than 1000 motorists completed his questionnaire on the issue, when they complained about traffic delays and confusion over road markings and signs.
“Some commuters have claimed that their journey times have doubled.”
Mr Fraser continued: “I understand that a safety audit of the roundabout was carried out around three weeks ago. The outcome of this is as yet unknown so I have asked the Transport Secretary if she can provide the results of this audit and also supply details of who carried it out.
“As the roundabout forms part of a trunk road, it is the responsibility of Transport Scotland. I have therefore asked the Transport Secretary what action the Scottish Government proposes to take to solve the traffic congestion that builds up at this roundabout.”
And Councillor Angus Forbes, who represents the Carse of Gowrie ward for the Scottish Conservatives, added: “This totally avoidable matter is causing untold misery for my constituents. Almost 1,500 residents have told me about the issues this has caused them from missing work, missing medical appointments and missed travel connections - not to mention the environmental damage caused by so many cars sitting stationary close to Invergowrie.”
