Badenoch's MSP concerned over A9 fatalities
Newly published figures from the Scottish Government show that the A9 remains Scotland's deadliest road, with 74 fatalities over the last decade.
In the latter half of the decade the numbers of deaths fell significantly, noted local MSP Kate Forbes, but overall improvements were still needed.
Ms Forbes MSP, who recently published a consultation seeking targeted improvements to the A82, said she was particularly keen to see road safety improved in the West Highlands.
The drop in A9 fatalities is thought to be linked to the introduction of average speed cameras from Dunblane to Inverness at the end of 2014.
“Every death is a tragedy," she said, "and these figures remind us that Highland roads continue to claim so many lives.
“The A9 continues to be the deadliest road, but the fall in the numbers is something that should be carefully studied so as to learn how we can make it even safer.
"Both the average speed cameras and the dualling will make a big difference.
“As a local Highlander, I drive these roads regularly, as do my friends and family.
"We must do everything we can to make improvements.”
On the neighbouring A82 Inverness road, newly published figures from the Scottish Government show that fatalities have increased over the past five years.
From 2015-19, 27 people lost their lives on the trunk road – an increase of four over the previous five years (2010-14).
Ms Forbes, who recently published a consultation seeking targeted improvements to the route, said she was particularly keen to see road safety improved in the West Highlands.
Her A82 survey can be completed here
Fatalities by last decade (2010-19 inclusive – by year and then total):
1. A9 11 10 6 7 7 5 7 5 10 6 74
2. A82 5 3 3 5 7 3 6 7 4 7 50
3. A90 4 4 1 9 10 8 5 2 1 3 47
4. A85 4 4 3 3 5 3 4 1 0 4 31
5. M74 3 2 1 1 3 3 5 2 5 5 30
6. A96 5 2 2 2 1 4 2 2 1 5 26
7. A75 1 4 1 3 2 3 2 3 1 2 22
8. A77 1 0 1 5 2 1 3 4 1 2 20
9= A83 3 0 2 5 2 1 2 1 2 0 18
9=A92 4 2 2 2 3 3 1 0 0 1 18
Fatalities by last five years (2015-19 inclusive):
1. A9 5 7 5 10 6 33
2. A82 3 6 7 4 7 27
3. M74 3 5 2 5 5 20
4. A90 8 5 2 1 3 19
5. A96 4 2 2 1 5 14
6= A75 3 2 3 1 2 12
6= A85 3 4 1 0 4 12
8. A77 1 3 4 1 2 11
9. A702 1 3 1 3 0 8
10= A1 1 3 2 1 0 7
10= M8 2 2 1 1 1 7
10= A68 1 4 0 2 0 7
10= A835 1 1 0 4 1 7
