Plans confirmed for deadly junction

David O'Leary • Published 20 Jan 2012 09:30 1 Comment

IT has been confirmed this week that lethal Leadburn Junction will have its speed limits reduced - from all sides.

The intersection where the A701, A703 and A6094 meet at the Borders-Midlothian boundary is regarded as one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the country.

And following heated campaigns both local authorities will now push ahead with the reduced speed plans.

In an email to Tweeddale councillors this week, assistant road user manager at Scottish Borders Council, Robbie Yates, said: "As there are several frontages on the SBC side of the A701, it has been agreed that we would recommend extension of the limit on this arm to a point coincident with the southern property boundary of Fenmist Cottage."

Midlothian Council had taken the lead by proposing the change from national speed limit on the approaches.

And local Peeblesshire councillor Catriona Bhatia has welcomed the move by her own local authority.

She said: "This is welcome news but I would like confirmation if any rumble strips or other speed reducing measures will be incorporated leading up to the 40mph zone, as without these speeds are unlikely to be reduced.

"The installation of this 40mph speed limit should help reduce accidents at the junction but ideally what the majority of Tweeddale commuters and residents really want is the implementation of a full roundabout."

A total of 15 reported accidents have occurred around the blackspot over the past two years - two of them fatal.

And the layout of the crossroads has been blamed in almost all of the logged incidents.

Back in 2006, a £900,000 roundabout reached the planning stage following a crash which saw the nearby Inn burned down. Initial studies were completed however money to fund the project never materialised and the plans were shelved.

Last week local MSP Christine Grahame also put forward the idea of introducing CCTV cameras at the junction.

But this has been dismissed by Midlothian Council's Wilma Chalmers, cabinet member for commercial operations.

She told the Peeblesshire News: "We have no plans to install CCTV at the Leadburn junction. Our information on accidents at the junction is comprehensive and we are aware of the manoeuvres drivers carry out.

"However, we do propose additional safety measures, including a 40mph speed limit, subject to statutory consultation by this council and Scottish Borders Council.

"If approved, this would cover all immediate approaches to the junction, including some of the A701 in the Scottish Borders, the extent of which would be decided by Scottish Borders Council."

It is estimated that over 1,000 commuters from the Peeblesshire area pass the junction every day.

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 20 Jan 12

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  Eyeball
  Unregistered User
  Jan 27, 16:41
  Report comment

  Electricity for signs is there....space(thanks to a local landowner)....signs (keep left etc.) havent the councils heard of recycling . It is not the first time I have came across a mini roundabout that appeared in a couple of days all over the country so where is the problem.sticking up a camera is certainly going to make people obey the rules of the road.....Aye watch me. £900.000 for a roundabout must be a job for the boys!.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 3     No 2

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