Cameras not the answer to A90’ s issues

When average-speed cameras went live on the A90 in October 2017, then-transport secretary Humza Yousaf confidently declared the controversial devices would improve safety on the key route and help save lives.

More than two years later, new statistics showing the number of serious accidents and fatalities on the Stonehaven-Dundee stretch of the road has actually increased – albeit marginally – have left the minister’s words ringing rather hollow.

Official figures also show that, other than in the first few months after the “yellow vultures” were switched on, they have done precious little to deter speeding.

In short, the cameras are being exposed for what they always were: a cheap option, sticking plaster fix for an infrastrucure problem which requires a much wider-ranging

– and hugely more expensive – long-term solution.

North-east motorists are entitled to ask why the A90 south of Dundee is properly served with flyovers while they have to run the gauntlet of tractors, trucks et al emerging on to the dual carriageway from the numerous Tjunctions dotted along the northern section of the trunk route.

They waited decades for the AWPR – they should not have to suffer the same wait for a genuine upgrade to the main road to what is already Europe’s oil capital, and in future will be its energy capital too.

“The claim the devices would improve safety and save lives now rings hollow”