With scepticism growing as to the practicality of installing average speed cameras on the A9 without an accompanying increase in HGV speed limits, Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, used his time in Holyrood to question the Transport Minister, Keith Brown, on the issue.
Although Mr Brown pointed towards a retention of the 40 mph speed limit for HGV’s, he has not ruled out a pilot scheme. The Transport Minister also stated that any future A9 HGV speed limit increase would be driven by evidence.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“I was pleased to hear that Mr Brown has written to all local MSP’s in order to open up a dialogue with representatives regarding the construction of average speed cameras.
“The A9 continues to be one of the most important and emotive issues within my region and Highland Scotland. Therefore, the Scottish Government must ensure that any road safety measure, including the construction of average speed cameras, is spot-on and well thought out.
“If average speed cameras are to be installed, I personally favour a HGV speed limit increase. Frustration is the root cause of many accidents on the A9 and strictly enforcing the current 40mph speed limit will undoubtedly lead to increased driver frustration and potentially more accidents.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors, chamber exchange enclosed below
Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to vary the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles on the A9 trunk road. (S4O-02379)
The Minister for Transport and Veterans (Keith Brown): Available research shows that average speed cameras will improve safety for all users, whether the HGV speed limit is retained at 40mph or increased to 50mph. However, our evidence suggests that a greater reduction in accidents will result if the 40mph speed limit is retained. As I have said before, we have not ruled out a pilot scheme to increase the speed limits of HGV vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway stretches of the A9 from 40mph to 50mph if the evidence supports that and the A9 safety group is currently undertaking further investigation work to better understand the suitability of such an increase.
Murdo Fraser: I am sure that the minister is aware of the widespread concern that exists in the Highlands and Perthshire that introducing average speed cameras without addressing the question of HGV speed limits might increase the number of accidents on the A9, because it will add to driver frustration. I listened with great interest to what the minister had to say. Will he undertake not to progress the introduction of average speed cameras without first seriously addressing the question of the HGV speed limit?
Keith Brown: I think that I have already said that further evidence is currently being gathered by the A9 safety group, which I think is the correct way to proceed. These are serious matters involving the safety of motorists. We want to try to make that road as safe as possible. The best way to proceed is to make sure that we garner all the evidence. I have said in debates in the chamber in the past that I am sympathetic to the idea of a 50mph speed limit for various reasons, but we have to proceed on the basis of the evidence. I should say that I have written today to all local and list MSPs to invite them to a presentation to talk about both the average speed cameras and the possible introduction of a 50mph speed limit.