Major motorway to shut today as new speed cameras get rolled out
PA
The M80 is to close until Monday August 12
Drivers have been warned of new speed cameras being put in place along a major motorway in the UK.
The M80 in Scotland is set to benefit from new cameras and resurfaced roads which will aim to promote safer driving along the region.
The cameras will be put in place along junction nine and it is expected to be complete by early next week.
The junction connects drivers from the M80 northbound to Pirnhall Roundabout and Stirling Services.
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Road closures will last until Monday
GETTYTo make way for the new cameras, maintenance has been occurring along the three kilometre stretch of road since June 28.
The road resurfacing has meant that there have been overnight closures of the M80 northbound carriageway.
The closures will start from 20:30pm tonight (August 8) lasting until 6am on Friday August 9, with similar closures taking place until Monday August 12.
As a result, a diversion route will be signposted on these nights from M80 Junction 8 to M9 Junction 9 via the M876 and the M9.
The diversion is expected to add a further 10 miles to the travel time and additional delays.
Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “Construction of the temporary link road has progressed well and we expect it to open to traffic by early next week, restoring access to Pirnhall Roundabout and Stirling Services from the M80 northbound.
“Motorists should be aware that Police Scotland average speed cameras will be enforcing reduced speed limits while the temporary link road is in operation.
“This is necessary for safety due to tighter than normal bends in the road layout.”
He added that the team is working at pace to complete ground investigations and design a long-term repair of the main slip road.
Scotland recently began rolling out temporary average speed cameras and mobile camera units.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop explained that road safety remains one of the Scottish Government’s top priorities.
The speed cameras would be placed on the A836 and A82 which have seen rises in traffic over the summer months and persistent speeding cases.
Hyslop added: “We have seen the success of average speed cameras on the A9 in terms of encouraging improved driver behaviour and are looking to replicate it on these routes.
“The new electric safety camera vans will replace older vehicles and help bolster the fleet, as well as our green credentials.”
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Speed cameras are being installed all over Scotland
PAThe roll out of temporary average speed cameras and the safety camera vans will help Scotland work towards its safer travel goals.
Chief Inspector Mark Patterson, Road Policing detailed: “With the expected increase in traffic volume over the upcoming holiday period, the implementation of these new temporary average speed cameras are part of a crucial partnership response to improving road safety.”