Motorists will face more delays on the way in and out of Aberdeen from next week as the average speed cameras are extended – to Stonehaven.
The devices are already in place on the Charleston section of the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road, but will now be installed further south as work on the bypass progresses.
Transport Scotland has introduced the cameras to enforce the 50mph limit in place to protect road workers.
The news of more delays comes just a day after it emerged Aberdeen is the worst congested city in Scotland.
According to a study by traffic information company Inrix, the Granite City eclipsed even London for congestion at peak periods last year as the hardest city to get into or out of – with drivers stuck in gridlock 24% of the time, moving at an average speed of 5.5mph.
Transport Scotland last night insisted the cameras were necessary on the A90 as work at Stonehaven is due to increase.
A spokesman said: “The works at Stonehaven will substantially increase over the coming weeks.
“To enhance the safety of the rising number of road workers on the A90 at Stonehaven, many of whom will be working in close proximity to road users in this area, it is necessary to use additional safety measures on this section of road.
“The use of average speed cameras will also protect road users, where construction operations adjacent to or beneath the road are not always visible to them.
“In addition to the proven safety benefits of average speed cameras, their deployment in major roadworks schemes demonstrates their ability to improve traffic flow and journey time reliability.”
Arron Duncan, manager of the North Safety Camera Unit, agreed the benefits of average speed cameras during construction works were well proven.
He added: “I would urge drivers to rigidly adhere to the posted speed limit in force, as the ultimate responsibility always lies with them to comply with any restrictions in place.
“Compliance levels for speed is generally very high in average-speed systems, but those who do fail to comply will ultimately have to deal with the consequences of that risk-taking decision through the enforcement measures in place.”
Last month average speed cameras went live at the Charleston section of the A90. Similar cameras have also been in use at the site of bypass work at Balmedie since July 2016.
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