Background

The A1 is the longest numbered road in the UK, at 410 miles (660 km), connecting the capitals of London and Edinburgh.

The A1 Action Group is made up of elected members from Scottish Borders and East Lothian Council, transportation groups and community councils and is campaigning for single carriageway sections to be dualled. They also seek other ways to improve the safety performance on the road.

Transport Scotland attended meetings in which measures were discussed to ensure that the improving road safety record of the route could be further developed, by concentrating on more local improvements. Representations were made from local communities along the route which mainly focused on the junctions of the A1.

Transport Scotland, together with their operating company for the route, Amey, worked with the local communities to take on board the issues highlighted and design measures which would help reduce concerns. To get an appreciation of the concerns, this included a drive through of each of the junctions during the day and hours of darkness. Entering or exiting the A1 during the hours of darkness was highlighted as a major area of concern.

The proposals for improvements targeted three main concerns;

• General visibility to and from the junctions
• Lack of consistency of signing and road markings
• The lack of definition at and around the junctions