The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Controversial cameras go live along 50 miles of busy A90
Critics dislike them but statistics show they cut accidents
Controversial average speed cameras will go live and track drivers over 50 miles of the A90 between Dundee and Stonehaven from today.
The new £2 million system will replace more than 40 fixed speed cameras and mobile patrols in a bid to lower the number of deaths on the main stretch of road connecting Aberdeen and Tayside.
It was ordered by ministers after three fatal collisions and six others involving serious injuries on the dual carriageway in 2015. There are 15 cameras installed on both sides of the carriageway.
The A90 cameras will be the third such scheme in Scotland, following their introduction on the A77 in Ayrshire in 2005 and the A9 between Dunblane and Inverness in 2014.
Critics believe they are more about making money through fines than improving safety, but figures from the A9 show the number of fatal and serious injury casualties has fallen by around 40% since cameras were introduced.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said the system will “save lives”.
He said: “The evidence from other average speed systems across Scotland continues to demonstrate the various benefits these cameras will bring to drivers.
“I’m aware that more than three in every five vehicles between Dundee and Stonehaven is speeding, with one in five exceeding by more than 10mph.
“While the previous strategy of fixed cameras and mobile enforcement saw casualties reduce at a number of camera locations across the route, average speed cameras will help to make the A90 safer for all road users.”
Bill Bowman, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East region, said: “Any proven reduction in the number of accidents on the A90 will be welcome.
“But speed cameras should be used sparingly in areas of high visibility.
“There is a feeling that the Scottish Government is installing these to generate revenue rather than safety.”