Calls for immediate improvements on the A9 after a tragic incident.
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The recent fatality on the A9, a major route connecting Perth and Inverness, has reignited calls for the Scottish Government to expedite the dualling of this perilous stretch of road. First Minister John Swinney faced intense scrutiny at Holyrood following the death of a 49-year-old man in a four-vehicle collision near Ballinluig earlier this week. This incident has underscored the urgent need for improved road safety measures in the Highlands, where residents are disproportionately affected by road fatalities.
Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing voiced the concerns of his constituents during First Minister’s Questions, highlighting that Highland residents are “10 times more likely” to suffer a road death compared to those living in Scotland’s central belt. Ewing’s impassioned plea for action emphasized the stark reality faced by families in the Highlands, who are increasingly anxious about the dangers posed by single carriageway roads.
The tragic accident, which resulted in three additional injuries, has prompted Ewing to call for immediate proposals to accelerate the dualling of the A9. He referenced data from the Road Safety Foundation, which indicates that individuals are three times more likely to die in accidents on single carriageway roads than on dualled roads. This alarming statistic highlights the pressing need for infrastructure improvements to enhance safety for motorists.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) government is facing mounting pressure to fulfill its commitments to vital road projects, including the dualling of the A9 and A96 routes. However, the timeline for these upgrades has been pushed back significantly, with the A9 not expected to be completed until 2035—ten years later than initially planned. Meanwhile, the A96 project has yet to commence, raising concerns about the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop is set to provide an update on the A9 dualling project next week, but skepticism remains regarding the feasibility of meeting the proposed timelines. Ewing’s insistence on the urgency of the matter reflects a growing frustration among Highland residents, who feel neglected in terms of road safety and infrastructure investment.
In response to the escalating concerns, First Minister Swinney acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased. He assured MSPs that the government would keep the A9 dualling program “under review” to explore any possibilities for accelerating the project. However, the timeline for completion remains a significant concern, particularly for those who traverse this dangerous route daily.
As discussions continue, the Highland community remains vigilant, advocating for swift action to prevent further tragedies on the A9. The call for improved road safety measures is not just a matter of infrastructure; it is a plea for the protection of lives and the well-being of families across the region. The government’s ability to respond effectively to these concerns will be closely monitored by constituents who demand accountability and action.
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