Improving road safety
Average speed cameras will be deployed on a temporary basis at two sites in Scotland during the peak summer season as part of plans to improve road safety.
The Scottish Safety Camera Programme, in partnership with Police Scotland and the Highland Council, is supporting the short term installation of low-carbon fuelled average speed cameras on the A836, between Reay and Thurso, and on the A82 at Luss.
Both locations have been identified as having increased traffic volumes and issues with speeding during the summer period. Live operation will start this summer and continue until traffic levels return to post-summer volumes.
In addition, 14 new electric safety camera vans will join the fleet with deployment across Scotland also scheduled for this summer.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:
“Road safety is one of the Scottish Government’s top priorities and I remain resolute in my determination to save lives on the country’s roads.
“The deployment of temporary average speed cameras on the A836 and A82 will help us achieve that. Both locations see a significant rise in traffic over the summer months and persistent speeding cases. We have seen the success of average speed cameras on the A9 in terms of encouraging improved driver behaviour and are looking to replicate it on these routes.
“The new electric safety camera vans will replace older vehicles and help bolster the fleet, as well as our green credentials.
“Both the temporary average speed cameras and the safety camera vans will help us work towards our long-term vision of no-one being killed or seriously injured on Scotland’s roads by 2050."
Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair at The Highland Council Cllr Ken Gowans said:
“Ensuring our roads are safer for all users is paramount, particularly as vehicle numbers increase during the summer months. Adding average speed cameras in these two identified areas, with the additionality of 14 new electric safety cameras in use across Scotland are positive interventions that will help save lives by encouraging changes in driver behaviour and reducing speed related incidents.”
Head of Visitor Services at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority Kenny Auld said:
“We welcome this trial and hope that this work creates a safer road and visiting experience for our visitors and residents. Whether by car, bus, walking or wheeling, it is important that everyone feels safe whilst enjoying this special landscape.”
Chief Inspector Mark Patterson, Road Policing said:
“Police Scotland, and our Safety Camera Unit, are committed to working with our partners in order to influence driver and road user behaviour and reduce casualties. With the expected increase in traffic volume over the upcoming holiday period, the implementation of these new temporary average speed cameras are part of a crucial partnership response to improving road safety.