Douglas Ross MP and Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson are calling for Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop to fund a new pedestrian crossing over the Forres bypass on the A96

LOCAL politicians are campaigning for a new pedestrian crossing on the A96 at Forres.

Moray MP Douglas Ross and Moray Councillor Kathleen Robertson are urging transport bosses to improve safety for concerned constituents.

Mr Ross took up the issue with SNP transport secretary Fiona Hyslop in September last year, calling for a pedestrian crossing to the west side of the bypass.

Mrs Hyslop replied that Transport Scotland had instructed contractors Amey to investigate the crossing’s feasibility as part of their work in the 2024/25 financial year.

With the new financial year now underway, Mr Ross wrote again to the SNP-Green government and Transport Scotland reaffirmed their commitment to looking at delivering a pedestrian crossing near the Greshop roundabout.

Their investigation will also be extended to look at crossing along the A96 bypass nearer the town, including pedestrian access to Forres Train Station.

Mrs Robertson hopes that Transport Scotland will recognise the request as a priority for their safety works in the coming year. She pointed out that the A96 at Elgin has five such crossings and Nairn seven, while Forres continues to go without.

Mr Ross said: “Local constituents have been concerned about the lack of pedestrian crossing on the A96 at Forres for some time.

“It is encouraging that transport bosses have reaffirmed plans to look at installing a crossing near the Greshop roundabout and are looking at further sites along the bypass.”

Forres ward councillor and Moray Council leader, Kathleen Robertson added: “While other major areas along the route like Elgin and Nairn have many pedestrian crossings, Forres does not have one.

“I hope Transport Scotland will recognise that delivering such a crossing must be a top priority for them this year.”