OVER the last week, I’ve spent a lot of time driving on country lanes where farmers have been out and about as they bring in the harvest.

It’s easy to get caught behind slow moving vehicles for a few minutes.

On more than one occasion, I’ve been surprised by the risks that some drivers take to pass.

They are willing, it appears, to put their own lives and those of others at risk just to shave a few minutes off their journey.

East Lothian has some of the most beautiful rural roads in the country and I wonder why people don’t just sit back and enjoy the drive?

On the issue of speed, East Lothian Council is about to consult on plans to make the temporary 20mph limits permanent.

While these were brought in under emergency Covid ‘Spaces for People” rules – which meant no consultation – they have proved popular in many towns and villages. But there are differences of opinion.

Some villages missed out on the 20mph limit whereas users of some roads say the mix of speed limits can be confusing.

So whether you are for or against the 20mph speed limit, I would encourage you to participate in the council’s upcoming consultation.

I’ve also been increasingly concerned about the traffic building up on the A1 approaching the junction with the A198.

Construction work at Blindwells means that temporary lights are creating bottlenecks resulting in tailbacks which are forcing cars to a stop before they pull off the A1.

In a recent street surgery in Port Seton, a number of residents raised this issue, and I have written to Transport Scotland, which is responsible for the A1, and will be approaching East Lothian Council to ask what can be done.

Residents fear this is an accident waiting to happen, so I’m keen to explore urgent action before someone is injured – or worse.