Craig Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has described traffic problems at the Bankton Junction on the A1 as an “accident waiting to happen” following a meeting with Transport Scotland.
Craig raised his concerns following growing concerns that Bankton Junction is often subject to tailbacks and traffic queues which are resulting in vehicles dangerously backing up on to the A1.
The junction has become more congested in recent months due to temporary traffic lights related to Blindwells construction being erected along the A198 between the junction towards Cockenzie and Port Seton.
Discussing the matter with Transport Scotland and ward Councillor Lachlan Bruce, Craig pushed for more details on the feasibility of second junction onto the A1 to service Blindwells.
Bankton Junction leads onto Tranent, Prestonpans, Port Seton and Cockenzie and developers are seeking to delay implementing a commitment to widen and expand the junction to deal with new housing at Blindwells.
Craig said: “There is a pressing need for East Lothian Council, Transport Scotland, BEAR and agents of the developer to engage with each other and come up with a better solution for residents. The developer should not be allowed to delay much needed work at this dangerous junction.
“Traffic backing onto the A1 from Bankton is already a hazard, and this is only set to get worse as development at Blindwells intensifies.
“There is clearly more work to do with East Lothian Council, BEAR and Hargreaves, but my meeting represented a start. It is vital that roads authorities tackle this problem before an avoidable accident happens in the local area.
“Pre-emptive action must be taken to keep residents safe and reduce logjams on the A1 and A198 leading into Prestonpans, Port Seton and Cockenzie.”
