21 May 2019

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon highlighted the benefits of the new Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route in a speech to business leaders in the north east.

Initial monitoring by Transport Scotland found around 50% of traffic has shifted from Aberdeen city onto the new Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route since it fully opened in February – easing congestion and improving air quality in the north east.

Key journey times were also reduced by half, even during rush hour, through the 36-mile AWPR route between Stonehaven and south of Ellon.

Around 50% of traffic has shifted from Aberdeen city onto the new Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route since it fully opened in February – easing congestion and improving air quality in the north east @NicolaSturgeon has announced 👉https://t.co/iFKmgqHNeV @transcotland pic.twitter.com/4mirOd0gxe

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) May 20, 2019

The First Minister said:

 As a result of the AWPR, vehicles that were previously sitting in nose-to-tail traffic and causing pollution have now shifted, leading to lower emissions in the city. This has the potential to improve air quality for around 75,000 homes and will improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists in Aberdeen city.”

At the event which marked the end of the GoNorthEast campaign to promote the benefits of the road, the First Minister also officially launched the New Perspectives exhibition.

The collection of specially-commissioned AWPR-themed landscape shots by Scottish photographer Colin Prior will be embarking on a nine-week tour of local libraries.

FM @nicolasturgeon highlighted some of the initial benefits of the AWPR in a speech to business leaders today – she also launched the 'New Perspectives' exhibition of @colinprior specially-commissioned AWPR-themed photos. Check out the full speech 👇https://t.co/Koqq5lWThr pic.twitter.com/Cs7aSKuONy

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) May 20, 2019

The First Minister’s full speech is available.