Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser welcomes interest in A9 crash signs from Transport Scotland bosses.
In his letter to Keith Brown (Minister for Housing and Transport) Murdo Fraser asked whether the use of signs displaying crash statistics would be put into operation on the A9.
In reply Chief of Transport Scotland David Middleton said:
“I can confirm that we have installed two temporary matrix signs on the A9 and have recently reconfigured the signs to indicate the normal travel time (as opposed to distance) to the next dual carriageway sections.”
“In addition, as part of our overall approach to the A9, we will be enhancing driver information with actual journey time displays on our fixed variable message signs along the entire length of the A9 from Stirling to Inverness. This will represent a significant addition to the information available to the road user.”
“Transport Scotland has set up and A9 Route Safety Group with membership from the Police Forces, Local Authorities, Safety Camera partnerships, Fires and Rescue Services and Trunk Road Operating Companies. Your suggestion about accident signage will be raised at this forum.”
In response Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“I welcome the progressive approach taken by Transport Scotland in the use of both temporary matrix signs and fixed variable message signs.
“These signs are vital in the transfer of knowledge to the road user. I have pressed for the use of signage displaying crash statistics to make each driver aware of the dangers posed by the A9.
“Hopefully greater information will allow drivers to make better choices.
“Essentially these counter measures only impact the road user who decides to look at them, but hopefully increasing awareness to the devastation caused by this stretch of road will result in more careful driving.
“Ultimately the solution lies with dualling the A9 in its entirety but until that is complete I will continue to search for creative solutions to road safety problems.