A9 average speed camera work to begin

Average speed cameras will be installed on the Highland route - preparatory work begins today. Picture: TSPL

The Scottish Government claims the project will reduce deaths on the road dubbed the most dangerous in the country.

Transport Scotland said some lane closures would be required during the work, but added that this should not cause significant delays.

The new system on the road is opposed by campaign group A9 Average Speed Cameras Are Not the Answer. It has called for action to tackle bad overtaking.

Seven average speed zones

Cameras will be installed at 27 sites along the route within seven distinct average speed camera zones, all of which are on sections of single carriageway.

A rolling programme of lane closures and temporary traffic lights will take place, although no significant delays are expected for motorists.

The construction of the supporting infrastructure for the cameras including power connections, safety barriers, traffic signs, and telecommunications equipment is beginning today and will last for 28 weeks.

Stewart Leggett, chair of the A9 Safety Group, said “This work is the first stage of the installation of the cameras and we have worked hard to make sure that this is done with the minimum disruption for road users.

“The cameras are part of our comprehensive safety plan for the A9 and they are in addition to engineering improvements, like the new lighting at Auchterarder as well as education initiatives, the most recent example being our safe overtaking campaign.

“Our public exhibitions on the design of the system from Perth to Inverness have been well received and we will be holding more of these south of Perth to let people know about the design of the system from there to Dunblane.”

‘Works carefully planned’

Eddie Ross, Operating Company Representative for BEAR Scotland, said: “This current scheme of works to install Average Speed Cameras on this route forms part of the A9 Safety Group’s on-going commitment to not only improving driver behaviour but to reducing accidents on the A9.

“Works have been carefully planned and we will endeavour to undertake them with as little disruption to road users as possible. We would ask for motorists to be patient during this time and their support whilst we undertake these important safety works is appreciated.

”Although delays are likely to be kept to a minimum, we would encourage road users to check with Traffic Scotland for the latest travel news before starting their journey.”