Dave Thompson MSP

The SNP is today welcoming an expert contribution to the discussion surrounding the Scottish Government’s drive to improve road safety on the A9.

As reported in today’s Press and Journal, Neil Greig of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), has responded to Danny Alexander’s criticism of the plans for average speed cameras one the main artery between Perthshire and The Highlands.

Mr Greig, Director of Policy at IAM, the UK’s biggest road safety charity, said: "The IAM are disappointed that such a high profile politician as Danny Alexander MP is not willing to give average speed cameras on the A9 a fair chance. There is clear evidence from around the world that these systems reduce death and serious injury wherever they have been used. There is no one magic bullet to stop all crashes on the A9 but we believe that average speed cameras and the new HGV speed limit can make the A9 safer until full dualling is in place"

Commenting on Mr Greig’s comments Dave Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch said: “Hopefully this expert contribution from Neil Greig - a Director of the UK’s biggest road safety charity - will make Danny Alexander see sense and retract his opposition to the Scottish Government’s plans to improve road safety on the A9.

“Mr Alexander is wrong in his assertions about average speed cameras and is desperately scrabbling around for issues to support his re-election next year.

“The A9 Safety Group has made the clear and compelling case for the installation of speed cameras on the A9. Danny Alexander is anxiously politically posturing in an effort to save his job.”

Note:

See today’s Press and Journal page 5