Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has responded to Danny Alexander’s invitation to join the Highland Infrastructure Forum on the A9 speed cameras.

Commenting on this, Mr Thompson said: “I fully support the Scottish Government’s plan for average speed cameras on the A9.  This is only one step in making this road safer for all users along with the work that the Scottish Government is doing to dual the A9.

“While Mr Alexander has been politically posturing, the Scottish Government has been working hard to make our roads safer for all road users.

“It is nothing more than total hypocrisy that Alexander has done nothing to help the Scottish Government meet its target of dualling the A9.  In fact it was his department that slashed the block grant that Scotland receives, making it more difficult for the Scottish Government to spend the money needed on our infrastructure here in the Highlands and indeed across Scotland.

“His Lib-Dem colleagues were in power before 2007 and all they did was introduce the highly unpopular triple lane sections.  It was the SNP who took the bull by the horns and started the work to dual the A9 and make it a much safer road for all.

“I have written to Mr Alexander to explain my position but do not think it would be productive for me to join his forum, which is after all, just another conduit to keep him in the public eye for a wee bit longer."

Notes:

Below is the wording of the letter from Mr Thompson to Mr Alexander.  

Dear Danny

Highland Infrastructure Forum

Thank you for your letter dated 23rd May and my apologies for the delay in getting back to you on this important issue.

As you will be aware Neil Greig, Director of Policy at the Institute of Advanced Motorists has stated that there is clear evidence from all around the world that average speed camera systems reduce death and serious injury wherever they have been used.  He is also aware that there is no one magic bullet to stop all crashes on the A9 but IAM believe that average speed cameras and the new HGV speed limit of 50mph can make the A9 safer until full dualling is in place.  Mr Grieg asked you to give these cameras a chance to prove themselves and I would support Mr Grieg’s request.

The A9 Safety Group has made the clear and compelling case for the installation of speed cameras on the A9 and I fully support this view.  If the Average Speed Cameras save one life then they will have fulfilled their purpose.  The ultimate solution is the dualling of the A9 and the Scottish Government, despite you and your Government slashing the Scottish Budget, is rapidly progressing precisely that.  It is disappointing that you have not supported this, given that previous Liberal/Labour Scottish Government Administrations have failed to do this important work.

I too want the A9 to be a safer road than it previously has been, and agree that dualling is the best way to improve safety.  This is why the Scottish Government is working hard to enable this work to be carried out as quickly as budgets will allow.

The Scottish Government does have the best interests of the Highlands in mind and this is why the Average Speed Cameras are being installed as well as the works to dual the A9.

I do not think that it would be productive to join your Forum.

Yours

Dave Thompson
MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch (SNP)