‘Dual the A9’ campaigner, Murdo Fraser MSP, has met with the Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP and Transport Scotland officials as part of discussions to introduce average speed cameras on the A9.
Transport Scotland modelling shows that the introduction of average speed cameras whilst maintaining a HGV speed limit of 40mph would reduce the desire of drivers to overtake by 7%.
However, their modelling also shows that the construction of average speed cameras with an accompanying increase in HGV speed limits (to 50mph) reduces the desire for drivers to overtake by 13%.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“I welcomed the opportunity to engage with Keith Brown and Transport Scotland on the issue of A9 average speed cameras and the accompanying modelling that shows average speed cameras result in fewer accidents.
“However, Transport Scotland’s own figures show that the desire to overtake reduces significantly if they are coupled with an increase in HGV speeds.
“Given that overtaking manoeuvres are a primary cause of accidents and fatalities on single carriageway sections of the A9 their modelling would seem to support the introduction of higher speed limits.
“Transport Scotland modelling currently shows that there would be fewer accidents with a 40 mph speed limit but they have also conceded that this modelling was not specific to the characteristics and history of the A9 and that further work was to be done.
“The evidence from Transport Scotland points to a reduction in accidents and fatalities with the introduction of speed cameras but we need to see this further explored to understand the relationship with HGV speeds.
“I remain of the view that the introduction of average speed cameras without addressing HGV speed limits is undesirable, but I look forward to seeing further work done.”