By Dave Lord

THE NEW SNP government must do more to improve safety on Scotland’s deadliest road, it was claimed last night.

Notorious throughout the country, the A9 north of Perth has been the scene of countless fatal accidents.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser is calling for a concerted campaign which would see heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) taken off the road.

Flagging up the possible establishment of a “rail freight consortium,” the politician asked the SNP what action the government is taking to remove lorries from the A9.

In response to his questioning the Scottish Executive’s transport and infrastructure minister Stewart Stevenson said the SNP were developing “a number of projects” which would lead to the transfer of freight from the A9 to rail.

“We are hopeful that these will come to fruition though ultimately this will depend on commercial decisions by the companies concerned,” Mr Stevenson said.

“A freight facilities grant of £2.3 million was awarded to the Inverness harbour trust earlier this year which, although not transferring freight to rail, will remove freight from the A9.

“Freight grant funded projects have removed over 80 million lorry miles from Scotland’s roads, including over five million lorry miles from the A9 corridor over the last eight years,” he said.

Despite welcoming such progress, Mr Fraser insists far more pro-active governmental action is desperately required, warning of potentially fatal consequences.

“It is good news that some freight on the A9 is being placed on rail instead,” he said.

“However, there are still far too many HGVs on the A9, causing tailbacks and frustration for drivers which can lead to accidents.

“That is why I want to see action taken to set up the Rail Freight Consortium between Perth and Inverness,” Mr Fraser said.

“This will allow businesses to transport their goods by rail instead of road in an economically viable manner.”

Mr Fraser vowed to keep up the pressure on senior ministers, insisting it should be a top priority.