Cameras reduce incident numbers

AVERAGE speed cameras have reduced fatal and serious casualties on the A9 Perth to Inverness road by 59%. Figures released by the A9 Safety Group also found that in the 21 months since the introduction of the cameras the number of fatal and serious collisions fell by 33%.

And “serious injury casualties” fell by almost 69%.

As part of the £3 billion programme to dual the A9 by 2025, it was decided to install the average speed cameras, along with introducing a higher speed limit of 50mph f or HGVs t o reduce driver frustration.

Maree Todd MSP, one of the representatives for the Highlands and I slands, said: “The A9’s improving safety record is reassuring.

“There has been a sustained i mprovement i n driver behaviour — with 43% fewer fatalities and a 63% reduction in serious casualties between Dunblane and Inverness in the first 21 months.”

The statistics, which showed the number of fatal and serious collisions between Dunblane and Inverness on the A9 fell by around 45%, were also welcomed by Lang Banks, director of World Wildlife Fund Scotland (WWF).

He said: “Average speed cameras are a costeffective way to reduce climate emissions as well as fuel costs for motorists.

“To meet our climate targets, the use of average speed cameras and other approaches to help reduce excessive speeds should be seriously considered on all major roads.”

Murdo Fraser, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said he welcomed the announcement but claimed many motorists want to know when the dualling work will be completed. “The real solution is having it dualled ASAP,” he said.