Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch today asked the Scottish Government in Parliament during Topical Questions what data has been gathered on safety following the introduction of Average Speed Cameras on the A9.

Commenting on this, Mr Thompson said, "The Minister kindly relayed the excellent data that followed the launch of the Cameras which shows that instances of speeding are dramatically lower, and that journey time reliability has improved.

"This vindicates the actions of the Scottish Government.

"Car journey times have risen by a maximum of 14 minutes, but an average of 9 minutes which is negligible in the context of a Perth/Inverness journey in excess of two hours.

"And, perhaps more significant is getting the confirmation from the Scottish Government that HGV journey times have actually improved on the road.

"The Minister reported that the Road Haulage Association (RHA) have published HGV journey times shorter on occasions by as much as 30 minutes.

"As a result the RHA have welcomed the latest data supporting the installation of the Average Speed Cameras, as have the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM)."

Critics who opposed A9 Average Camera Scheme suggested that travel times for HGVs would be greater; therefore the Highland economy would be hampered.

So Dave also asked the Government to elaborate on allegations that reduced speeding was having a detrimental effect on economic activity in the Highlands.

"The Minister made the very important point that to argue that curtailing speeding will impact on the Highland economy is quite illogical, as improving safety on the A9 will result in fewer A9 closures, diversions and delays which do quite literally hold the Highland economy back."

Mr Thompson went on,

"I welcome the fact that the Minister warned politicians who still attack the camera installations that they risk being seen to be making cheap political points from such a serious safety issue.

"They also risk ridicule as the evidence is HGV's are making the journey between Perth and Inverness (and vice versa) more quickly than before the Cameras and the 50mph Pilot and this can only aid the economy."

Dave finished with a call to the A9 speed camera detractors and Danny Alexander,

"I call on the A9 speed camera detractors, including Danny Alexander, who is beginning to look like he is taking the criticism to quite absurd lengths I never thought was possible, to finally stop playing the A9 average speed camera game, and accept that the cameras have been a force for good".

Notes:

Details of the A9 Safety Partnership analysis can be found here: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/performance-data-a9-and-average-speed-cameras-published

The A9 Safety Group was set up by Transport Scotland as a multi-agency group to reduce fatal and serious road traffic accidents on the route. The main aim of the A9 Safety Group before and during the A9 dualling programme is to work together with our partners to explore any measures which could be introduced on the route using engineering, enforcement, education and encouragement to positively influence driver behaviour to help reduce road casualties.

Dave's Question: To ask the Scottish Government what data have been gathered on safety following the introduction of average speed cameras on the A9. (S4T-00912)