Perth Swallow Roundabout improvement delays "inexcusable"

Daily Record

04-07-2025

There have been several accidents since the new layout was introduced in March with confusing road markings and signs
Following several accidents, a Carse of Gowrie ward councillor finds it "inexcusable" recommended changes have not yet been made to make a roundabout safer.
In March 2025 a road safety audit highlighted several issues with the new road layout at the Swallow Roundabout next to Invergowrie, on the edge of Dundee and road users have raised a number too.
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But many have still to be addressed and Cllr Angus Forbes fears it "may just be a matter of time" before someone is injured at the roundabout.
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Approaching the roundabout from Perth, all three lanes have arrows painted on them pointing straight ahead. It is only when you are actually on the roundabout, the third lane has an arrow pointing right, resulting in some A90 northbound vehicles cutting into the middle lane at the last minute.
The traffic lights are equally confusing with "no left turn" and "no right turn" signs on them, giving the impression you can only go straight ahead - despite road signage saying otherwise.
As for the signs, they too have caused confusion. Approaching the roundabout from Perth, drivers are told there are two lanes which point straight on. It is only when the third lane appears, there is another sign saying there are three lanes and drivers can turn right towards Dundee/Invergowrie.
The signs also warn road users of "new traffic signals ahead" but not of a "new roundabout layout ahead".
Cllr Angus Forbes is "astounded that something so simple can take so long to put right".
He has asked when the safety audit recommendations will be put into place.
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The Conservative councillor said: "In regard to the incorrect signage on approach to the roundabout from Perth, I am totally perplexed and pretty angry that such a simple fix which everyone agrees should be made has taken so long and is still not fixed. I am aware that accidents have already happened on this roundabout; thankfully none of them involved injury but it may just be a matter of time.
"When a safety audit throws up an issue which is simple to fix, for the changes not to have been made - months after the audit was performed - is simply inexcusable."
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The Swallow Roundabout layout changes were part of the planning conditions - set by Dundee City Council - for the Western Gateway development, which housebuilder Springfield was asked to make. The developer appointed Luddon Construction Ltd to carry out the works.
According to Springfield, the findings of the March safety audit are currently "under review" but have "nearly concluded".
A Springfield spokesperson said: "The findings of the safety audit are under review by the roundabout designer and Transport Scotland to decide what measures should be taken to address the findings. We understand this part of the process has nearly concluded and look forward to learning the outcome. "
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Transport Scotland is hopeful resolution works can be "agreed and implemented soon".
A spokesperson for Scotland's national transport agency said: "We are aware of the observations in the independent road safety audit carried out by the developer and any post-construction review observations, including those made by road users regarding road markings and signs. The developer is considering how to address them. The developer and their designer, along with Amey and the roads authorities, are working together to resolve these matters. This process is ongoing, and resolutions will hopefully be agreed and implemented soon. Transport Scotland will continue to work with the developer to help resolve these issues as quickly as possible.'
Amey said Western Gateway residents were "strongly supportive" of the measures taken to improve active travel provision at the busy junction. Pedestrians and cyclists can now use the traffic lights to go straight through the middle of the roundabout to cross to the other side.
The Amey spokesperson said: "The Western Gateway Community Group is strongly supportive of benefits the roundabout redesign has provided. Bill Batchelor, chair of the group has commented that: 'Prior to the construction of this junction, there was no suitable access for Western Gateway residents into Dundee, with the only route being a secluded, unlit path behind the Swallow and through the underpass. The new infrastructure has significantly improved safety and accessibility. It provides a much needed lifeline for those who walk or wheel'.
"Supported by Amey, the operating company for the North East Trunk Road network, Transport Scotland are working with all parties, including Springfield, their design consultant and Dundee City Council to ensure that any changes at Swallow Roundabout identified in the safety audit or reported by members of the public are fully considered. Any changes from the original design is a complex process involving consultation with a range of parties to identify the most effective solution, which will be progressed as quickly as possible.
"Adjustments have already been made to the traffic light sequencing and initial monitoring has shown a reduction in journey times on the A90 eastbound approach to the junction. Monitoring will continue, and further adjustments will be made as necessary to optimise the signal phasing."