Recent publicity about the number of drivers caught speeding at the location, exceeding the "temporary" 50 mph limit, prompted Mearns Community Council to write again to Transport Scotland asking whether the speeding did not add weight to the grade-separation argument.

The reply said: "Road safety is a priority for the Scottish Government and there have been a range of safety measures introduced at Laurencekirk, such as a 50 mph limit, speed cameras and road markings.

"A strategic review due in the summer of 2008 could consider grade separation."

The letter went on to say that speed limit enforcement was a matter for NESCAMP, but suggested that the number of speeders caught was still small compared with the number of vehicles using the road.

"There has been a significant improvement in safety at Laurencekirk and 2006 saw only one injury accident.

"Transport Scotland will continue to monitor the situation and take action as necessary."

Jim Wilkie said cars brake at the cameras then speed up again and Norman Banski said they are accelarating at the actual junction.

Mitchell Simpson asked if Transport Scotland were looking at other junctions such as Northwaterbridge and Crosspoles and secretary Marjorie Stewart said more and more vehicles were using the dangerous Mill of Thornton junction to avoid queuing at Laurencekirk.

Councillor Tom Fleming commented: "Transport Scotland have admitted that the junction is dangerous. If it is dangerous, make it safe."