Scottish ministers want to slash the speed limit on one of Fraserburgh’s busiest streets.
Proposals have been tabled to make Maconochie Road a 30mph zone after safety concerns were raised by local residents and politicians.
It comes just weeks after a serious smash on the route, which left a motorcyclist with serious leg injuries.
And just days before Christmas, a factory worker died when he was struck by a passing car during a night out with colleagues.
Yesterday, a public consultation was launched on the plan to lower the limit from the current 40mph and residents have been given until the middle of May to lodge any objections.
The move was welcomed by councillors last night.
Charles Buchan said the change was necessary because of recent developments along the route, including the busy Tesco supermarket.
“In the last year there have been many accidents on this stretch, one of which unhappily proved to be fatal,” he said.
“Nearby residents have sent me complaints about speeding lorries and cars.
“When the 40mph limit was first introduced, there was little branching traffic. However, in the last few years we have had the introduction of a major shopping complex on Harbour Road, the expansion of Gray and Adams to the east side of the A90, a new community centre, pool and traffic lights and a new housing development, all of which contribute to increased traffic complexity.”
Fellow councillor Brian Topping said the town’s community council, Aberdeenshire Council road officers and the safety group, which he chairs, had been calling for a speed limit reduction.