By Dave Lord

A DEFINITE timetable for upgrading the A9 north of Perth must be issued immediately, an MSP demanded yesterday.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser went on the offensive after a spokesman for First Minister Alex Salmond described the development only as a “long-term” priority.

The road is one of the most notorious in Britain and has been the scene of countless fatal accidents.

An arterial route between central Scotland and the north, it constantly switches from single to dual carriageway and in 2005 was named as Scotland’s deadliest road.

Driver confusion has been blamed for dozens of serious accidents and there was relief for campaigners as throughout the recent election campaign the SNP renewed its pledge to dual the entire 122-mile Perth to Inverness stretch.

Mr Fraser was therefore dismayed to hear the policy is not an immediate priority for the new government.

He has lodged a series of parliamentary questions on the subject, insisting urgent action is required if further deaths are to be avoided.

“I want to see the A9 dualled in its entirety from Perth to Inverness,” the MSP said yesterday.

“I welcome indications from the new Scottish Executive that they will commit to dualling the A9, but we need to see a firm timetable for action.

“That is why I have lodged a number of parliamentary questions on the subject.

“It is essential that the people of Perthshire, and indeed all road users, are told exactly if and when work on the A9 will commence as well as how much funding is to be allocated.”

Mr Fraser insists time is of the essence and warned lives are at stake.

“A9 users know the road desperately needs to be upgraded to dual carriageway status between Perth and Inverness,” he said.

“The Scottish Conservatives have long sided with those motorists and believe urgent action is required.

“We have campaigned for the A9 to be dualled since before the opening of the Scottish Parliament.”

Mr Fraser feels the issue should be top of the agenda for the new administration.

“I believe upgrading of the A9 should have the highest priority,” the MSP continued.

“It has the unfortunate statistic of having the highest death rate of all of Scotland’s roads.

“These cold facts must be considered by this new Scottish Executive and a quick and clear decision to upgrade the A9 must be taken.”

Mr Fraser, who also believes an upgrade would have enormous economic benefits, has lodged the following questions for the Executive in parliament:

* What its timetable is for the full dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness, including feasibility reports, start dates for each section and completion dates.

* How much funding it plans to allocate to fully dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness.

* What estimated economic benefits the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness will have on the area.

* What the estimated economic benefits the dualling of the A9 between Inverness and Thurso will be.