Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has asked for Scottish Government ministers to come before MSPs and answer questions on the safety of the A9 following further deaths on the road.
Mr Halcro Johnston, a long-term campaigner for dualling the route, has written to the Scottish Parliament’s presiding officer asking that questions be allowed as soon as Holyrood returns from its October recess.
The Scottish Conservative MSP said:
“The last few months have seen more tragic deaths on the A9, and more families left to mourn the loss of loved ones. However, despite pleas from MSPs - including from even the SNP backbenches, we’ve heard nothing from the Scottish Government or their agencies on what action they are taking to improve safety on the road."
“And while the SNP is still claiming that the road will be dualled between Inverness and Perth by 2025, I’ve not spoken with anyone who believes this to be realistic, particularly given their Green coalition partners have stood firmly against any upgrading of our road network."
“The A9 has earned itself a notorious reputation, and it is clear that the present arrangements are not fit for purpose. We have seen 11 fatalities this year, and any further delays to upgrading work will only mean accidents are more likely. It’s time that this SNP administration gave some honest answers for those individuals and communities that rely on the road. I want the minister to come before Parliament and be unequivocal in whether they will still dual the road as they promised to do and, if so, by when?”
