North councils back calls for A9 lorry trial
Council leaders in the Highlands and Islands and Perth and Kinross are backing a campaign by hauliers to increase the speed limit for HGVs on single carriageway stretches of the A9.
Highland Council Leader Drew Hendry has written to Keith Brown, MSP, Scottish Minister for Transport, seeking the increase from 40mph to 50mph.
It would apply to lorries over 7.5 tonnes with the aim to avoid build up of traffic and driver frustration on the Perth-Inverness road.
Councillor Hendry also suggested in the correspondence sent on behalf of all the local authorities that special lower speed limits should be considered for accident black spots at key points in the Highlands where road safety is a daily concern.
He said: "The leaders are agreed in their support for the increase of the speed limit on single carriageway stretches of the A9 for these vehicles.
"We feel that this would be appropriate and reduce the driver frustration caused by these slow moving vehicles and reduce the temptation for risky overtaking manoeuvres.
"With regard to accident black spots, I feel that we are reflecting genuine public concern over road safety and the need to seriously consider lowering the speed limits where there are known problems."
Councillor Hendry recently met with Mr Brown to discuss the issue. He said: "My meeting with Keith Brown was very positive and he was very willing to listen to the proposals on speed limits."
