Bettera 9 services

Many regular users of the A9 will have welcomed the news over the weekend that the 7.5km stretch of new dual carriageway between Kincraig and Dalraddy has opened.

As work continues over the next few years to upgrade more of the A9, it seems rea-

sonable to assume that traffic will increase. Much of that extra traffic will likely be from vehicles whose drivers are not familiar with the road.

Today, anyone wanting a rest break, toilet facilities, fuel or food has to come off the A9 and drive into one of the towns bypassed by the road. Drivers have no way of knowing what facilities are available in these towns. Between what hours is fuel available? What parking exists; is there parking for caravans, large motor-homes, coaches and lorries or just for cars; how much does the parking cost or is it free? Are there toilets and, if there are, between what hours are they open and is there a charge?

Currently there is no motorway service station equivalent anywhere on the 110 miles or so between Perth and Inverness. Has the time now come for one or more roadside service stations to be opened between these two cities?

Like motorway service stations, they would have to provide fuel (including recharging facilities for electric-powered vehicles), toilet facilities and a range of food in addition to adequate parking for all sizes of vehicles.

GEORGE SHANKS Orwell Place, Edinburgh