| The Scottish Executive authority, responsible for the installation of average speed cameras at two sites on the stretch, said work to construct a grade separated junction at Kinfauns began on May 22.
Although the work is at the preparation stage, a spokeswoman insisted the limits are necessary for the safety of construction workers and road users. She also rejected the notion there was no need for restrictions overnight.
It had been argued traffic is lighter and little or no site activity was taking place at night, but the spokeswoman said work would be gaining momentum and would be taking place 24/7.
It was revealed on Tuesday the cameras at Kinfauns and Glendoick were still not in operation — two weeks after the speed limit came into force. Work to install the average speed cameras is still being completed.
The Tayside Safety Camera Partnership said the speed limit would be enforced during this interim period using its mobile camera units and Tayside Police patrols.
The Transport Scotland spokeswoman continued, “Pre-site works got under way on May 22 and these will gain momentum as the contractor progresses the scheme.
“Reducing the speed limit was an important part of ensuring safety on the route for the start of works.
“The average speed camera installation is part of this project’s delivery and is currently being commissioned to go live.
“In the meantime, the reduced speed limits are being monitored by Tayside Police.
“This project is a significant investment of £14m in the A90, and whether or not speed cameras are in place on a route, drivers should still abide by the law and adhere to the speed limit.
“The speed limit will remain at night as work will be ongoing overnight and lane closures with traffic management measures may be implemented.
“To put things into perspective, the 40mph speed limit will add three minutes on to journey times. We’d advise drivers not to focus on the works as they pass the site.”
A TSCP spokesman said it merely acted as administrator of enforcement on behalf of the Scottish Executive.
“All we are doing is administering the SPECS (speed check camera) system. We have no control over when it is installed or when it is live.
“It is a Scottish Executive project which just so happens to be in our area.”
But the spokesman conceded that from a driver’s point of view, enforcement late at night may seem harsh. He added that compliance with the new 40mph speed limit was noticeably widespread. |
