Murdo has written to Transport Scotland to ask them to review the current traffic light system at the Swallow Roundabout after the issue of persistent and worsening congestion was raised with him.
The traffic lights were installed following an agreement between developers of a new housing development at Liff and Dundee City Council. However, traffic conditions at the roundabout, located on the outskirts of Dundee, have become unpredictable and on Wednesday a ‘technical issue’ at around 8.30am led to long tailbacks of traffic, stretching back as far as Longforgan.
Commenting, Murdo said: “Given these recurring issues, I decided to write to the Chief Executive of Traffic Scotland to ask if they will review the current operation at the Swallow Roundabout and the timing of the traffic lights there. Constituents have told me they feel that the lane structure is very dangerous at the roundabout, particularly if you are travelling towards Riverside – it is an accident waiting to happen.
“One of my constituents, who has commuted daily to Dundee for eighteen years from Inchture without any difficulty, told me how she was delayed by around 20 minutes during the morning peak traffic. On the same day, her son experienced a 15-minute delay when travelling to sit a school exam, and a further delay in the early evening resulted in another family member arriving late for scheduled activities in Dundee.
“These examples illustrate the broader pattern of disruption that is causing considerable stress and inconvenience for local residents.
“There appeared to be some improvement from late summer onwards, but constituents now advise me that severe delays have returned in recent days.”
Murdo continued: “Constituents are seeking reassurance that the traffic-management measures in place are fit for purpose and will not continue to impose unnecessary delays on those travelling to Dundee.
“I have therefore asked Transport Scotland to provide information on planned adjustments, monitoring arrangements, or further steps that may be taken to alleviate these concerns.”
