I had two questions raised with me about the average speed cameras on the A90. Firstly, why is there no exit camera on the A956 (Wellington Road) heading north, and secondly, is it true the average speed cameras are being extended from the city boundary to Stonehaven (as was reported in the Press and Journal). This afternoon I received the answers from the AWPR team.
1) Wellington Road – “The average speed camera is located to monitor traffic moving along the A90 and does not monitor traffic exiting the A90 via the C5K/A956 slip road. The system of average speed cameras in place on the A90 at Charleston has been installed in accordance with the approved design, following consultation with Police Scotland and Transport Scotland. The system is reviewed regularly, however I can confirm that there are no planned alterations to the layout at this time.”
2) Stonehaven – “Regarding the average speed cameras to be installed on the A90 at Stonehaven, these are expected to be installed in the next few days. This system will only cover the temporary traffic management at Stonehaven and will not extend further.
“Once the cameras have been installed they will undergo testing prior to going live. The decision as to the ‘go-live’ date for these cameras rests with both Police Scotland and the North Safety Camera Unit. When going live, the test signs for the cameras will be removed and the ‘go live’ date will be published on the Transport Scotland website (www.transport.gov.scot/…/aberdeen-western-peripheral-route-…).
“As you know, there are existing average speed cameras at Charleston, so once the cameras at Stonehaven are installed there will be a gap between both of these systems.”
Good.
I was also wondering about the Northbound exit, this is precisely where any dodgy driving is occurring – folks speeding up the outside lane and cutting in at the last minute. I’ve seen several near misses even while the camera system has been in place.
It would have made more sense to monitor the gap between the start of the speed restriction and the just before the Wellington road exit to make sure people actually start slowing down well before the signage.
I also have a question about the Stonehaven cameras, the national speed limit / end of restriction sign sits half way down the slip road if you’re joining the A90 from Stonehaven. I.E. The speed limit changes between the last two cameras that are going up. This seems odd – will this sign be moved before they’re switched on?
You make good points. Cutting in annoys me too. It can be dangerous as well as being disrespectful to everyone else. I’ll pass on your comments about the Stonehaven situation. Thanks.
Opposite side !! traffic joining from the city heading south do not seem to want to realize that it is a ‘give way’ , makes a bit of a horn sounding bonanza as two main lanes try to avoid, would a Halt sign or some stricter control be a possibility after all this will be ongoing for some time yet. 4pm to 5pm as the Brechiners head home is ????????
You are right to be concerned about the southbound slip road at Charleston. When it opened I complained to the AWPR team, and they made some adjustments. However they told me it had been checked by all the relevant experts and ticked the boxes. That maybe the case – and I don’t doubt it – but for drivers it is not an easy junction. A moment’s inattention and there can be an accident. The only solace is that drivers are getting used to this arrangement.