Members of the North East Safety Camera Partnership(NESCAMP) were appalled to detect over 200 offences during a seven day period on the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee Road  near the Marykirk/Laurencekirk Junction.

This notoriously dangerous junction had its speed limit dropped to 50mph in 2005 in a bid to reduce collisions after local residents appealed to the, then Scottish Executive and the fixed speed cameras were positioned in a bid to keep the speeds down.  As well as the speed cameras there are 3 count-down 50mph markers, 50mph roundel signs and vehicle activated signs to make drivers aware of the drop in speed limit. 

Initial analysis of the offences have shown that just under 90% of those detected where driving under 70mph.

 Julie Milne, spokesperson for the Partnership comments 'it seems like people are either driving just below 70mph their whole journey and not noticing the 50mph zone or  are slowing down for the change of limit but not enough.  If the first example is in fact true it is worrying that people miss the change as the area is very clearly marked a 50mph limit'.

'It is hoped that by highlighting this area again to members of the public they will take note the next time they travel down the A90 as the limit is in place for road safety.  NESCAMP do not want to catch people out, we want to encourage people to stick to the speed limits and in this instance to slow down at the Marykirk/Laurencekirk Junction.'

In addition to the 40 second radio ads information will be sent to local caravan organisations and hire companies who will hopefully pass the information onto their clients.  Advertisements will also run in the Aberdeen Evening Express and Citizen newspaper highlighting the same theme.

Julie Milne, Communications officer with NESCAMP explained 'people are still unaware that if they are driving a van, such as a Transit, or towing a caravan or trailer they are restricted on single and dual carriageways to 10mph less than the average family car.  By running this campaign we are trying to educate the drivers before they get caught or worse, are involved in a collision'.

- Details of speed limits can be found on our 'top tips' page or the highway code.

An enforcment operation on the A93 proved positive for NESCAMP when only 6 offences were recorded from 7.5 hours of enforcment.

5 sites were visited by 2 mobile units during the 7.5 hours, all on the A93 at locations between Banchory and Cambus O' May, just West of Dinnet, yesterday Monday 09/06/08. 

Julie Milne, Communications Officer from NESCAMP commented 'we are very pleased with the result of only 6 vehicles being detected for speeding during the A93 operation.  It is encouraging to know that only a very small minority of the vehicles traveling along that stretch were exceeding the limit'. 

These events include:

Sunday 25th May:  Ride-On Children's Fun Day - Alford Transport Museum
                            Crathes Vintage Car Rally - Crathes Castle

Sunday 1st June:  Fraserburgh Vintage Car Rally - Fraserburgh Leisure Centre

Sunday 15th June:  Aberdeen Highland Games - Hazlehead park, Aberdeen

Sunday 3rd August:  Turriff Show - Turriff
Monday 4th August:            ''

Sunday 17th August:  MG Owners Club Meet - Alford Transport Museum

Sunday 7th September:  Motorcycle Convention - Alford Transport Museum

Saturday 13th September:  Doors Open Day - Grampian Police HQ, Aberdeen

Concern has been raised by members of the public  regarding the fixed camera sites positioned within the road works on the A90 near Portlethen.  These sites have been established since the Partnership began in November 2002.

General concern has arisen over the signage and length of the restriction, in particular the repeater 50mph signs of the Southbound carriageway and the end of road works signage, or perceived lack of it.

Please find below a list of signage positioned on both carriageways. 

REMEMBER these restrictions are in place for the safety of road users and road staff.

NORTHBOUND FROM NEWTONHILL FLYOVER*

SOUTHBOUND FROM BRIDGE OF DEE ROUNDABOUT*

* Correct at time of creation, 28/11/06

End of Roadworks sign and National Speed Limit signs on Southbound Carriageway: