Leadburn lights cause lenghty delays
David O'Leary • Published 1 Oct 2010 09:30
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LOCAL motorists were left fuming this week as Leadburn roadworks caused a two mile traffic jam.
One driver was even driven so potty by the works that he decided to take matters into his own hands and in the dead of night stole the batteries from four temporary traffic lights at the junction.
The proposed road improvements had been reported in this paper last week but no set time or date was given by Scottish Borders Council as to when they would begin.
This caused several hundred commuters who otherwise would have travelled by an alternative route to be delayed for upwards of an hour on Monday morning.
Queues snaked in either direction for miles as the lights sequencing let only a handful of motorists through each time.
Scottish Borders Council were deluged with hundreds of complaints which resulted in them agreeing to only turn the lights on each day between 9am and 3pm for the works duration.
However, on Thursday morning workmen were astonished to find someone had pinched the batteries out of each traffic light.
Bruce Rutherford, Head of Roads and Fleet Management at SBC, said: “I confirm that the batteries have been stolen from the traffic lights. We have received replacements from our supplier and hope to have these installed as soon as possible.”
Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale MSP Jeremy Purvis was himself caught up in the jam and also received numerous complaints from exasperated motorists following the roadworks commencement.
He said: "While I was at the junction on Monday there was no notice for drivers of the impending works. The delays and anger that constituents have brought to me are totally understandable and I am following this up with the local authorities.
“What should have been a good news story has turned into a very frustrating time for road users. Queries about the notice, the sequencing of the traffic lights and the length of time expected for the works really should all have been stated more clearly.
"I am representing the anger of people directly to the Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Council and I am also asking that Midlothian Council do not repeat this when further works on their side are due for commencement.”
The proposed work at the junction involves the replacement of lost, stolen or damaged road signs, improved lighting, realignment of kerbs and the replacement of elements of a high-friction surfacing area.
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 01 Oct 10
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