Drivers have come out against the introduction of average speed cameras on one of Scotland’s most dangerous roads.
A survey carried out on behalf of the A9 Safety Group revealed the majority of motorists believe the system will have a negative impact on driver behaviour.
Motorists were asked what impact they believed average speed cameras would have on driving behaviour on the A9 and 57% agreed it would result in more incidents of tailgating.
A further 55% said it would result in significantly longer journeys, 45% believed it would increase frustration and more than a quarter (28%) said they would feel less safe on the road.
Furthermore, just 11% of those surveyed agreed average speed cameras would make the road safer, with dualling the entire route the popular option.
The survey also revealed the shocking habits displayed by those who use the A9 on a regular basis.
One in five drivers admitted driving 15mph over the speed limit, while almost a quarter said they frequently used their phone while behind the wheel.
As a result, 55% of respondents claimed they felt unsafe due to the actions of other road users, while frustration affected more than 40% of drivers.
Transport Minister Keith Brown insisted the £2.5 million camera system would reduce the number of accidents on the A9 between Dunblane and Inverness.
He said: “The survey is an important part of our work to improve safety on the A9 ahead of dualling.
“It indicates that we are heading in the right direction with our plans, which focus on engineering and enforcement.
“We have committed to dualling the A9 by 2025 and in the meantime, we will continue to work with partners such as Police Scotland and the safety camera partnerships to make a positive difference to A9 road users.
“The recently approved proposals to raise the HGV speed limit will bring operational and journey time benefits for users and the average speed cameras will ensure that people drive within the legal limits.
“The A9 Safety Group is clear that average speed cameras are effective in saving lives and this is backed up by the facts.”
Mr Brown said studies have shown a 61% reduction in fatal and serious accidents at other sites in the UK.
The survey will be repeated next year to evaluate the effectiveness of average speed cameras and the 50mph HGV speed-limit pilot.