Multimillion pound proposals to improve transport links in the north-east have been described as “unambitious” by councillors.
Plans to spend £10million-£15million improving the A90 Aberdeen to Fraserburgh road were unveiled last month, with the suggestion of installing roundabouts as the notorious Toll of Birness and Cortes junctions.
The package for the A90, and the A952 Toll of Birness to Fraserburgh route, would also include overtaking lanes and partial dualling.
But councillors voiced concerns about the proposals yesterday.
Councillor Alan Fakley told the Buchan area committee that he did not believe the Nestrans report went far enough – and renewed the calls for the A90 to be dualled to Peterhead.
The Peterhead South and Cruden councillor said: “Anything to improve transport links with the rest of the country is vital for Peterhead.
“I am a supporter of the document and it is very good, but I just wish it was a bit more ambitious.
“The long term plan is a bypass around Ellon, but there should be better links all the way up to Buchan with a dual carriageway.
“We need this kind of infrastructure or the town is going to be economically stifled.”
His view was echoed by Peterhead councillor Stephen Calder, who also wants a dual carriageway built.
Mr Calder said: “I agree that it absolutely essential that the situation at the Toll of Birness is addressed, that is vital.
“Between 8,000 and 9,000 vehicles drive between Peterhead and Toll of Birness (every day) and after the junction it rises to 13,000.
“So that it is essential it becomes a dual carriageway and we have a roundabout there.
“I’d like for it to be more ambitious and push for a dual carriageway as far up as Peterhead.”
Central Buchan SNP councillor Jim Ingram agreed that the proposals fell short of the improvements many people had hoped for but added that they made financial sense.
He said: “I hope we give an indication to Nestrans that we support this 100% and the sooner action can be taken to bring things forward the better.”
The Nestrans study mentions three potential options to improve rail links in the north-east costing between £270million and £381million.
This could see the establishment of a new route between Aberdeen, Dyce and Ellon based loosely on the old Formartine and Buchan line.
It means that for now at least Peterhead won’t be getting a new railway line to Aberdeen.
Councillor Anne Simpson said that was disappointing for the town.
She said: “I just think it would be absolutely wonderful if Peterhead lost its distinction as the biggest town without access to a direct rail link.
“It is not something we should be proud of and I think it is absolutely appalling.
“I realise it is expensive but I think aspirational sometimes about finding the resources for these kind of things.”
