MSP will fight on for A85 safety measures

A local MSP has pledged to continue to lobby the Scottish Government until safety is improved on the A85, after new figures revealed it is one of the most dangerous roads in Scotland.

Liz Smith has called on SNP Transport Secretary Michael Matheson to carry out an urgent review of the busy trunk road that passes through Strathearn.

The Scottish Conservative and Unionist representative has written to Mr Matheson following sight of the figures.

In total, 33 serious or fatal accidents occurred on the A85, which links Perth and Oban, between January 2017 and summer last year, prompting Ms Smith to renew her call for the Scottish Government to make the road fit for purpose“once and for all”.

Alongside local residents and elected members – including Strathearn ward’s Roz McCall, and Almond and Earn ward’s David Illingworth – Ms Smith has consistently campaigned for the road to be improved and speeding issues to be addressed.

Commenting, the MSP said:“For far too long, motorists using the A85 have had to endure a trunk road that puts them in danger and that simply cannot continue.

“The SNP’s transport secretary must carry out an urgent review on this route to sort out the issues once and for all.

“Community campaigners, councillors and myself have been lobbying on this for years, but still we see speeding issues unaddressed as well as a failure to carry out the infrastructure upgrades that are badly needed.

“Too many families and communities have suffered tragic losses as a result of inaction on the A85.

She added:“Michael Matheson must listen to these calls and announce a review and upgrade works as soon as possible and I will continue to lobby him to do this.”