After years of campaigning, The Courier can reveal that a full debate on the potential upgrade of Scotland’s most notorious road will be held at the Scottish Parliament next week.
The A9 north of Perth has a reputation as Scotland’s deadliest route, with repeated switches from single to dual carriageway identified as a contributory factor in hundreds of accidents.
Dualling of the road between Perth and Inverness was a key manifesto pledge for the SNP prior to the party’s election victory in 2007.
However, more than three years on, frustrated campaigners and politicians insist the time for words has long since passed.
Delighted Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser announced he had secured a debate on his “Dual the A9 timetable” motion. The motion has been selected for a member’s debate on January 20, in the debating chamber.
The debate will start just after decision time at around 5pm and is open to the public.
Ahead of the debate, Mr Fraser called on road users to attend parliament and watch proceedings.
He said, “It is welcome news that my parliamentary motion on the need to dual A9 between Perth and Inverness is finally coming to Holyrood.
“I hope that this debate will add extra weight to the national public demand for an upgrade and that a full timetable is set out.”
He added, “The transport minister has to reply at the end of the debate so we will have the SNP Government on record setting out what action they will take on the A9.”Accidents ‘nothing new’Thousands of people have signed up to an online petition aimed at securing an upgrade.
“I hope that families and friends affected by accidents on the A9 will come to parliament and let their views be known to the SNP government,” Mr Fraser said.
“A number of people who have lost loved ones on this road have contacted me and helped to highlight the need to dual this road.
“The courage of these individuals is exceptional and I have strong admiration and respect for the way they have handled themselves through the ordeal of losing loved ones.”
Last month, Montrose lorry driver Gordon Cooper was killed following a pile-up involving three HGVs.
Mr Fraser said, “There have been so many tragic and fatal accidents on the A9 in the last few months but this is nothing new the road has been claiming too many lives for a number of years.
“Every accident is a reminder that we must see real investment.”
He added, “I fully accept that dualling the A9 will not end accidents on the road but it is clear that it will greatly reduce the number of accidents and save lives.”