New £400k flashing signs at a dangerous A96 junction near Huntly have stopped working only after one month of use.
The recent installation was supposed to detect vehicles waiting to turn on to the A96 and warn approaching drivers.
But the flashing lights are currently faulty, meaning users of the road are likely at greater risk of an accident.
The update comes after a series of serious accidents at the spot which connects the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness and A920 Dufftown road.
Figures back in February have shown there were 69 serious and fatal accidents on the A96 over the last five years – the fourth highest of Scotland’s A roads.
Amey, an engineering firm, who installed the signs said they are aware of the problems.
An Amey spokesperson said: “These signs were part of a series of road safety improvements undertaken at the A96/A920 junction at Huntly.
“This included resurfacing and lining improvements, to help reduce vehicle speeds and add clarification to the junction layout.
“We are aware that the signs are not currently operational. We are working with our supply chain to investigate any fault and fix the signs as quickly as possible.”
Transport Scotland have since promised that the signs will be fixed tomorrow.
A spokesperson said: “Amey’s sub-contractor has confirmed the Keith bound sign is displaying a low battery fault, which will be fixed tomorrow.”
Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett claimed that the lights are a ‘complete waste of taxpayers money.’
He said: “This is a complete embarrassment for the Scottish Government but more importantly, it’s a kick in the teeth to taxpayers whose money is being wasted like this.
“It’s farcical the signs are out of action so soon after being installed and proves that road safety on the A96 at Huntly isn’t a priority for the SNP Government.
“Rather than tackling the problem properly by installing a roundabout to replace the junction, Transport Scotland is going for the cheaper option of using this to simply tick a box and move on.
“This lack of empathy for the dangers at the junction sends the wrong message to motorists who take their life into their own hands when crossing the road.”
Sign will be repaired as soon as possible
Meanwhile, Richard Thomson, SNP MP for Gordon reassured members of the community that the sign would be fixed as fast as possible.
He said: “My office has been in touch with Amey Highways, which is directly responsible for maintaining the signs.
“While the Aberdeen-bound sign is working, they advise that there’s a fault with the battery on the Keith-bound carriageway sign.
“While it’s obviously disappointing that a fault has developed so soon after installation, Amey have advised that they will be returning to the site tomorrow [Thursday] to replace the faulty battery and carry out further tests to ensure that the sign is working as intended.
“I’d have to say in passing though, that I find it odd that the local MSP’s first reaction on discovering a fault with a road-sign is to issue a statement attacking the Scottish Government, rather than focussing on getting the fault fixed.”
