Scottish transport minister Humza Yousaf has hailed the success of average speed cameras on the A9 between Dunblane and Inverness, which have seen 10 fewer deaths on the road in a three-year period.
The A9 Safety Group has published the latest data for the system, marking the conclusion of a three-year reporting period and allowing for a detailed comparison with the established 2011-13 baseline period.
It said that although data has previously been published on a quarterly basis, this milestone allows for more in-depth comparison and analysis, and therefore more confidence in the data.
Across the whole route, 10 fewer people were killed, 16 fewer people were seriously injured and 96 fewer people injured, compared to 2011-13.
Mr Yousaf said: ‘Behind every statistic lies a tragic story and one of devastation for the families of those involved. We should never lose sight of that and we will never be complacent when it comes to road safety. My thoughts are first and foremost with those who have lost loved ones or been seriously injured in road accidents.
‘However I also have to pay tribute to the work of the A9 Safety Group and recognise that the speed cameras – which were initially heavily criticised in some quarters – have undoubtedly made the A9 safer.
‘Alongside successful education and marketing campaigns driver behaviour has improved - ten lives saved and 37 fewer people seriously injured is testament to that. ‘
The system has been in operation since October 2014 and coincided with the introduction of a 50 mph HGV speed limit pilot on single carriageways between Perth and Inverness.
Compared to 2011-13, since the cameras were introduced, the following pattern has emerged:
Dunblane to Inverness
- 10 fewer people killed
- 16 fewer people seriously injured
- 96 fewer people injured
- Average number of fatal casualties down by over 40%
- Average number of ‘fatal and serious’ casualties down by 31%
- Average number of fatal collisions down by over 23%
Perth to Inverness
- 9 fewer people killed
- 14 fewer people seriously injured
- 81 fewer people injured
- Average number of fatal casualties down by over 40%
- Average number of ‘fatal and serious’ casualties down by over 32%
Dunblane to Perth
- 2 fewer people seriously injured
- 15 fewer people injured
- Average number of fatal casualties down by 50%
- Average number of ‘fatal and serious’ casualties down by over 23%
- Average number of fatal collisions down by 50%
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