Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has expressed concern following the release of final figures from the ten-day A9 enforcement campaign.
A grand total of 687 drivers were caught speeding and 33 road users were guilty of using their mobile phone whilst driving.
These figures underline the A9’s reputation as Scotland’s deadliest road. Despite this reputation and the well-publicised campaign drivers continue to take unnecessary risks.
Commenting on the statistics Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“This was a welcome road safety initiative on the A9 from Tayside and Northern Police, but the figures for traffic offences are particularly disappointing given the publicity this campaign has had.
“Speeding can never be justified especially on a road as dangerous as the A9 and I would encourage all motorists to drive with due care and attention whilst negotiating this road. It is unbelievable that there are still so many people causing unnecessary risks by using handheld mobile phones whilst driving.
“Road safety initiatives such as these always demonstrate their worth, but the A9’s current layout encourages drivers to take risks, including speeding in an effort to move past slow moving traffic; drivers will use excessive speed on small portions of dual carriageway in order to overtake. The long-awaited upgrade of the A9 from Perth to Inverness to full dual carriageway should have a positive impact on road safety on this, Scotland’s most dangerous road.”
Acting Inspector Norman MacLeod, on behalf of Northern Constabulary's Road Policing Unit, said:
"Despite our best efforts to encourage motorists to drive responsibly and within the speed limits, there is still an alarming number of people detected not doing so.
"Both Forces are disappointed in the numbers committing these offences especially when speed can quite often be a contributing factor to collisions and therefore casualty numbers.”