My drivers constantly broke speed limit on deadly road – the …
A COMPANY boss says his staff regularly broke the speed limits on one of Scotland’s deadliest roads.
The number of deaths on the A9 between Inverness and Perth[1] has reached a 20-year high, with 13 fatalities in 2022 alone.
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The number of deaths on the A9 has reached a 20-year highCredit: Alamy
This summer, more than 3,000 van drivers were slapped with a notice of intended prosecution (NIP) amid a crackdown on commercial vehicles[2].
Safety Camera Scotland says average speed cameras were switched on in “safety priority areas” as part of an operation to catch motorists driving over the limit between Dunblane and Inverness.
But one company boss doesn’t believe the cameras were working properly after admitting his staff were never caught speeding.
He told The Press and Journal[3]: “We’re unsure why this (rise in speeding fines) happened – I don’t think the cameras were working properly.
“My guys have been driving on that stretch for a long time and they’ve never had a problem.
“We deliver between Glasgow[4], Stirling, Inverness and Aberdeen early in the morning when the roads are quiet.
“My drivers thought those (higher) speeds were safe as it’s 4am/5am and the roads are quiet
“Initially, when the cameras came, they were all driving at 60mph, but as time went on they got faster as they weren’t getting done for it.”
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He added: “One of my drivers got three tickets in a single journey and I’ve had over 20 come through the door.
“I just want to know the reason why it’s suddenly changed – we’ve been in business for 20 years and never had a problem.”
The A9 dualling programme will see 80 miles (129 kilometres) of road upgraded from single to dual carriageway in a bid to reduce casualties.
Transport Scotland says an update on its progress is expected in the coming months.
Highland Council convener, Bill Lobban blasted “irresponsible” motorists who deliberately drive over the limit.
He added: “Everybody knows the number of accidents that have occurred, and whether you are on the road during the day or at night, then you should stick to the speed limit. It’s as simple as that.
“Any driver that displays a “cavalier attitude” towards speed limits is totally irresponsible.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “The cameras in question were activated in 2014, and have been maintained and upgraded since then.
“There has been no point during that period, to the best of our knowledge, where average speed coverage has not been present at some point.
“The operation of the system is wholly and solely a matter for the safety camera unit and Police Scotland, who have confirmed there has been a recent period of targeted action on the A9.”
It comes days after dozens of motorists were stopped by cops during a blitz on a popular tourist route.[5]
It was part of Operation CEDAR (Challenge, Educate, Detect and Reduce) to reduce road casualties across the north of Scotland.
The police captured around 60 vehicles in just 48 hours committing various traffic offences.
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References
- ^ Perth (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
- ^ vehicles (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
- ^ The Press and Journal (www.pressandjournal.co.uk)
- ^ Glasgow (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
- ^ on a popular tourist route. (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
- ^ [email protected] (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)