Latest A9 tragedy must lead to 'greater urgency' for upgrade
A politician is calling for "greater urgency" to be placed on upgrading the notorious A9 north of Perth following a fatal two-car collision close to Dalwhinnie in the Highlands on Monday.
- By Dave Lord
- Published in the Courier : 16.11.10
- Published online : 16.11.10 @ 10.11am
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said, "There has been a spate of fatal accidents on the A9 in the last few weeks. This reinforces the message that the route is the most dangerous in Scotland. This is sad news and we must see greater urgency in efforts to dual the road."
Monday's accident came just three days after a man was airlifted to hospital following a crash on the road.
A long-running campaign to upgrade the A9 north of Perth was given extra impetus this year when it was confirmed as Scotland's deadliest road. Already notorious among regular travellers, the route claimed 67 lives between 2004 and 2008, the latest period for which figures are available.
Over the same period there were 1041 accidents reported on the road.
Repeated switches from dual to single carriageway have been cited as a contributory factor in many incidents, with foreign drivers and tourists often among those involved.
The week before the accident, transport minister Stewart Stevenson renewed the government's commitment to dual the stretch of road.
"The A9 is a vital link to north Scotland and the Scottish Government is committed to dualling it, from Perth to Inverness, on a phased basis," he stressed. "These works will not only bring employment for local people but also significant safety and economic benefits to communities and businesses across Scotland."
11.14am - 17.11.2010 Debbie Irvine - Cupar, Fife Report This
It is not the road, its the lack of due care and attention by those using it. I drove on the A9 daily during the 1990's. I saw lots of bad driving and poor judgement by drivers. The same can be said for the A92 in Fife, which I drive on weekly, poor driving, its not the road.
05.46pm - 30.11.2010 Mrs Melanie Anderson - COLNE LANCASHIRE, UK Report This
Its about time the A9 was duelled im a A9 widow who lost 2 members of my family on this road in 2008. Please let common sense prevail and spend the much needed money on this road as its clear there are always going to be Foolish drivers using it.
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