TRAFFIC problems at Bankton Junction, a key route to Tranent and Prestonpans from the A1, have been described as an “accident waiting to happen” by an MSP.

Craig Hoy, Conservative MSP for South Scotland, made the comment to describe the issues at the junction following a meeting with Transport Scotland.

He raised his fears after growing concerns that the junction is often subject to tailbacks and queues which are resulting in vehicles dangerously backing up onto the A1.

The junction has become more congested in recent months due to temporary traffic lights related to the construction of the new town of Blindwells being built along the A198 between the junction and Cockenzie and Port Seton.

Discussing the matter with Transport Scotland and ward councillor Lachlan Bruce, Mr Hoy pushed for more details on the feasibility of a second junction onto the A1 to service Blindwells.

Bankton Junction leads from the A1 on to Tranent, Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton, and developers are seeking to delay implementing a commitment to widen and expand the junction to deal with the new housing at Blindwells.

Mr Hoy said: “There is a pressing need for East Lothian Council, Transport Scotland, BEAR and agents of the developer to engage with each other and come up with a better solution for residents.

“The developer should not be allowed to delay much-needed work at this dangerous junction.

“Traffic backing onto the A1 from Bankton is already a hazard, and this is only set to get worse as development at Blindwells intensifies.

“There is clearly more work to do with East Lothian Council, BEAR and Hargreaves, but my meeting represented a start.

“It is vital that roads authorities tackle this problem before an avoidable accident happens in the local area.

“Pre-emptive action must be taken to keep residents safe and reduce logjams on the A1 and A198 leading into Prestonpans, Port Seton and Cockenzie.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “We and BEAR Scotland are liaising closely with East Lothian Council and the developer of Blindwells to ensure the safety of the A1 and adjoining roads during the construction of this development.”

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “Blindwells is a major development under way next to the A1 trunk road and during this development stage there is unfortunately going to be some disruption experienced. East Lothian Council is working with Transport Scotland to ensure that the works required to the A1 and Bankton Interchange will be delivered by the developer, to an appropriate timetable. The developer is also working closely with BEAR Scotland, which manages the A1 on behalf of Transport Scotland in this area, and is seeking to keep disruption to a minimum.”