MSP demands action on accident blackspot

Published 23 Oct 2009 13:25 4 Comments

LOCAL MSP Jeremy Purvis has called for immediate action after another accident at the notorious Leadburn junction last Friday.

The collision between a Mercedes and a Renault occurred at about 1pm and their occupants were treated for minor injuries at the scene.

The junction connects the A701 Penicuik road, the A703 from Peebles and the A6094 to Bonnyrigg.

It has been the subject of intense condemnation as three drivers have lost their lives there in the past decade, with dozens of other accidents also recorded.

An upgrade was planned for the junction and initial studies were completed into measures to improve road safety.

However, Midlothian and Scottish Borders Councils took the blackspot from its priority programme last year after government funding, filtered through regional transport organisation SEStran, dried up.

Mr. Purvis said: "This latest incident highlights again the concern about this stretch of road.

"It is extremely frustrating that the issue of this junction has come to a standstill.

"Both Midlothian and Scottish Borders are not making the junction a priority and it is unacceptable.

"Funding that had been ring-fenced for the project under the previous Scottish Government has now been withdrawn and the fate of the junction is effectively in limbo.

"Although this latest incident was relatively minor, it is a fast stretch of road and at those speeds it is a very fine line between what constitutes a minor collision and a very serious accident indeed.

"Accidents will continue to happen until the necessary improvements are made."

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 23 Oct 09

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  Jim Silvey
  Unregistered User
  Oct 23, 15:26
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  Lib Dem Mr Purvis says: "Both Midlothian and Scottish Borders are not making the junction a priority and it is unacceptable"... Well why does he not speak to the Lib Dem Councillors who run Scottish Borders Council and get them to do something? Typical Lib Dem hypocrisy.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  James Blonde
  Unregistered User
  Oct 26, 11:33
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  Like all the other parties are any different? Don't flatter them... Don't forget, this junction is actually in Midlothian!
  
  Whoever is in charge, this junction should have been sorted YEARS ago! I've lost count of the number of near misses I've had there over the years. I've lost count of the number of accidents - minor or more serious - I've seen here! Its not even like its hard to fix, and the land is available!
  
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• 

  Mark Norris
  Unregistered User
  Oct 26, 21:08
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  Midlothian Council is a Labour majority, with only 2/18 Lib Dems.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Col
  Unregistered User
  Oct 28, 12:23
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  Doesn't matter where the junction is, its one of the main routes into the borders...
  
  They should make a roundabout there, i've said that for years!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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