Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has welcomed the announcement that average speed cameras are to be installed on the A9 between Dunblane and Inverness.

The A9 system will be the second in Scotland. The first was installed on the A77 in Ayrshire between Bogend Toll and Ardwell Bay in 2005. Since then it has delivered a 46 per cent reduction in fatal accidents and 35 per cent reduction in serious accidents.

Dave said: “Any measure to improve the safety on our roads is to be welcomed as we work to shake off the A9’s reputation as Scotland’s most dangerous road.

“However, while the A9 remains a single carriageway in many sections, an unintended consequence of this move may be to increase frustration and this could even lead to risky overtaking.

“Trucks and lorries are limited to 40mph on the single carriageway sections of the A9, and an average speed camera system will enforce this limit on them. This will make it difficult for drivers of other vehicles, who are not limited to 40mph, to pass these slower moving trucks and lorries.

“Platooning, where several slow moving lorries drive one after another, is an issue on the road, and frequently this means the lorries are driving well inside their safe stopping distance. This is an issue where the police have a clear role and in acting on this will further mitigate the risks on the road. I have written to the police before on this subject, and in light of this announcement I will reiterate these concerns to Police Scotland.

“The impact of these speed cameras will be a big boost to safety on the A9, but it must be closely monitored to ensure that any unintended impacts on road safety are dealt with, for instance platooning, and immediate remedial action taken.”