Moray Council and Amey urged to improve A95 and A941 safety
Worn-away road markings are making busy junctions “extremely dangerous” according to a community group.
Marion Ross, chairperson of Speyside Community Council (SCC), called on both roads operator Amey and Moray Council to make a section of the A95 trunk road safer.
She argued that several serious accidents had taken place on the stretch of road, at Craigellachie, and poor road markings could have been a “contributory factor” towards them.
SCC has pushed for all worn road markings to be repainted and is also calling for a safety review due to the high number of accidents.
“Our local councillors have tried, an MSP has tried but we are still no further forward, other than being told our issues will be addressed but given no indication as to when,” Marion said.
“Meanwhile, the road markings continue to be eroded away and, in our opinion, make the roads less safe.”
Concerns were highlighted about both junctions which serve the village, and the Macallan Brae junction a mile north of Craigellachie at Dandaleith.
A spokesperson for Moray Council confirmed that road markings at the turn-off to Dufftown and The Cabrach would be repainted this year.
However, she added that markings at the A941 and Macallan junctions and Dandaleith junctions were “in acceptable state”.
The chairperson said markings at the turn-off to Dufftown and The Cabrach were particularly bad.
“When turning right from this junction towards Rothes, the white lines are no longer there,” Marion added.
“When turning left towards Aberlour, the lines are seriously eroded away.
“This is extremely dangerous and particularly so for people who do not know the road as you can encroach onto the A95 without realising it.”
She claimed Moray Council is responsible for repainting the give way lines.
Filter lanes at both Craigellachie junctions were also identified as putting drivers at risk.
Marion said the second of two arrows indicating the turning direction had completely disappeared - encouraging drivers to turn too early as a result.
She argued that this could cause drivers to drive into oncoming junction traffic.
“As you travel from Aberlour, you only see the first arrow and this directs you on to the wrong side of the road,” Marion added.
“There have been a number of accidents at this location.”
SCC has also been pushing for improvements at the Craigellachie Bridge junction.
While admitting that give way lines at the junction have recently been painted, Marion said repairs to the road bridge had created visibility issues after the height of the pavement and safety rails was increased.
“This has made the right hand turn towards Rothes very precarious as it is very difficult to see the on-coming traffic during daylight,” she said.
The chairperson also raised concerns that overhanging trees are obscuring the view, while turning left towards Aberlour.
Marion said SCC wants to all degraded road markings to be repainted and is also calling for a safety review due to the high number of accidents.
“The white lines and indicators on our roads serve as crucial indicators to drivers,” she added.
“They guide and regulate traffic flow and assist drivers how to navigate and act in various situations.
“Clearly, in the situations I have outlined, drivers are getting the wrong - or no - information.”
A Moray Council spokesperson pledged to “work with communities on ensuring the safety of people travelling on Moray’s roads”.
“Lines on the junction of the A941 and the A95 are due to be repainted during 2025, while the lines at the A941 and Dandaleith junction were done in 2023 and are still in an acceptable state,” the spokesperson said.
“We have kept the Community Council updated on our discussions with Transport Scotland regarding visibility due to the bridge alternations, which we have no further information on at this time.
“We’ve also advised that some of the issues raised, i.e. trees overhanging and Craigellachie junction lines, are a matter for Amey as the trunk road operator.
“We’ll continue to work with communities on ensuring the safety of people travelling on Moray’s roads.”