Aberdeenshire Council has come under pressure to reduce the speed limit on a busy road around one of its biggest towns.
The restriction on the A948 Ellon to New Deer road – known as the ‘Ellon Bypass’ – remains 60mph, despite passing a built-up area of the town.
Now, councillor Gillian Owen is calling for the local authority to cut the speed limit down to improve safety.
The Conservative member said issues on the road were most noticeable at the Golf Road junction and Knockothie Crescent turnings.
She added council workers were currently carrying out tests on traffic speed along the route using data from a recently installed digital speed sign, which also warns drivers to slow down.
She said: “Because people speed there I want the speed limit to be reduced, particularly along by the houses and where there is a built-up area.
“You can pull out onto the road, you look and nothing is coming, and next minute someone is at your boot, right up behind you.
“It has been clear for some while that the Golf Road access has caused a number of road traffic accidents.
“I look forward to receiving a report on the data but I am still of the opinion this exercise should be a permanent feature, as having driven along there myself it does make you aware of the speed you are travelling.
“I lived in this part of Ellon for a number of years and I had concerns then about the speed that traffic travelled along this road, hence my continued interest.
“I am constantly remind by local residents of their concerns.”
A council spokeswoman said the 60mph limit would remain in place, but that it would “continue to monitor the road”.
She added: “As and when infrastructure changes, Aberdeenshire Council reviews associated road speed limits in accordance with national guidelines.
“As there are currently no new infrastructure developments around the A948, the speed limit will remain at 60mph following national criteria laid out by the department of transport.
“The A948 was built to 60mph standards and does not meet the conditions for the introduction of a reduced speed limit.”