A notorious north-east junction was closed yesterday afternoon following a two vehicle collision.
Emergency service teams were called to the scene of the crash on the A90 Aberdeen to Peterhead road near to the Toll of Birness junction just after 4pm.
The extent of the injuries of those involved in the crash are unknown, but they are not thought to be serious. However, one man was transferred to hospital by the ambulance service.
The aftermath of the crash between a Citreon Zara and a Vauxhall Vetra was witnessed by one motorist Bruce Miller, from Ardallie, who urged drivers to be cautious on the road.
He said there were often accidents at the site of the junction.
Firefighters from Ellon and Peterhead attended the scene and used cutting equipment to free one man who was trapped inside a vehicle.
As a result, the road was closed for around two hours while emergency services dealt with the incident, and was partially re-opened to one lane before the two vehicles were recovered.
The road was fully re-opened last night at 6.30pm.
A police spokesman warned drivers to avoid the area and said: “We do not believe there have been any serious or life threatening injuries.
“It would appear there were three people involved in the incident. Two in one car and one in the other.
“There has been substantial damage to both vehicles.”
A Scottish Fire Service spokeswoman said crews helped remove a trapped male casualty from one of the vehicles.
Ellon councillor Gillian Owen has been campaigning for extra safety measures at the junction. And she urged action to be taken on a recent NESTRANS report which suggested a range of safety improvements for the road, including
replacing the junction with a roundabout and partially dualling the route.
She said last night said: “It is so disappointing to hear this news again.
“My heart goes out to those involved. But I must urge action, the NESTRANS report is crucial – please let’s get on with it.
“Changes are needed and everyone knows this; the flashing lights are an asset but not the solution.”