Alexander challenges Salmond to A9 debate in Highlands
Badenoch and Strathspey MP Danny Alexander has challenged the First Minister to a debate over SNP plans to install average speed cameras the length of the A9.
The Lib Dem MP has said there is no evidence supporting the plans, and he has raised concerns about whether the cameras could increase frustration and hinder the flow of traffic along the vital trunk road.
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury said: "If the First Minister disagrees with me so strongly then he can accept my challenge to a face-to-face debate in the Highlands.
"As well as addressing independence, we can discuss this issue in front of an audience of Highlanders who have backed my campaign by the thousand.
"The SNP should dial down the rhetoric. I have said time and time again that everyone wants the A9 to be safer. The SCDI and FSB, both members of the A9 Safety Group, have voiced concerns about the project.
"Not enough has been done to convince me, or thousands across the Highlands, that average speed cameras should be put before driver training courses or other targeted measures.
"My concern is that average speed cameras will add to frustration, not reduce it."
He added: "During my time in Parliament I have been clear with all Transport Ministers that the dualling of the A9 should be the number one infrastructure project in Scotland.
"The SNP Government has had a significant capital budget, increased by an additional £1.4billion during my time in the Treasury.
"It is the SNP that has chosen to starve the Highlands of investment. After seven wasted years on the A9, the SNP Government should get on with dualling Scotland’s most important road as a matter of priority."
• Badenoch MSP accuses Danny Alexander of putting votes before lives. Read Dave Thompson’s column in Thursday’s ‘Strathy’.
