A Perthshire politician has called for signs to be installed highlighting the deadly toll on the region’s most notorious roads.
Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said a report which showed road accidents and casualties on the rise in Perth and Kinross should be used as a “wake-up call”.
The figures released by the UK Government last week showed an increase in the number of road accidents and casualties reported across Perth and Kinross, between 2016 and 2017.
Throughout the area there was an 11.5% rise in the number of casualties from 321 to 358 and a 4.5% increase in accidents from 243 to 254.
Mr Fraser has called for road signs to be erected to highlight the number of casualties, especially on the A9.
He said: “It’s hugely concerning to see such a marked increase in casualties on roads in Perth and Kinross over the course of the past year.
“While average speed cameras have done much to improve safety on the A9, the number of fatalities last year proves that this is still a dangerous road and one that must be dualled before the 2025 deadline.
“Ultimately, the Scottish Government and transport agencies need to work together to improve road safety in Perth and Kinross.
“I believe that this should include signage detailing the number of recent fatalities and accidents to reinforce the message that these are dangerous roads which must be negotiated carefully.
“Increasing the number of remote speed traps could also prove useful in reducing accidents caused by speeding.
“Reducing road accidents is incredibly important and I would hope that these figures act as a wake-up call for both drivers and those charged with keeping our highways safe.”
The A9 is undergoing a £3 billion programme to make it dual carriageway from Perth to Inverness. 80 miles of single carriageway are expected to be upgraded and completed by 2025.
Average speed cameras have been installed, which have almost halved the number of deaths from 24 between 2011 and 2013, to 14 between November 2014 and October 2017.
SNP MSP John Swinney said he is confident the government can build on current progress to make the roads a safer place.
He said: “It is, firstly, important to acknowledge that Scotland has some of the safest roads in the world.
“Against this backdrop of progress, I am saddened by the rise in accidents and fatalities across the Perthshire region over the past year.
“The Scottish Government recognises the importance of this issue, which is why our national road safety strategy, Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020, sets ambitious targets for casualty reductions.
“I am confident that we will be able to build upon the progress we have made and I am hopeful that this will be reflected in the road safety figures across Perthshire in the years ahead.”
