Leaders back A9 speed limit campaign

Council Leaders in the Highlands and Islands and Perth and Kinross are backing a campaign by hauliers to increase the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway stretches of the A9 Inverness – Perth road.

On behalf of all the Leaders of the Highlands and Islands authorities, The Highland Council Leader Councillor Drew Hendry has written to Keith Brown, MSP, Scottish Minister for Transport, seeking the increase from 40 mph to 50 mph to avoid build up of traffic and driver frustration.

He has also suggested that special lower speed limits should be considered for accident black spots at key points in the Highlands where road safety is a daily concern for Highland Citizens.

Councillor Hendry said: “The Leaders are agreed in their support for the increase of the speed limit on single carriageway stretches of the A9 for these vehicles.  We feel that this would be appropriate and reduce the driver frustration caused by these slow moving vehicles and reduce the temptation for risky overtaking manoeuvres. With regard to accident black spots, I feel that we are reflecting genuine public concern over road safety and the need to seriously consider lowering the speed limits where there are known problems.”

Councillor Hendry recently met with Mr Brown to discuss the issue.  He said: “My meeting with Keith Brown was very positive and he was very willing to listen to the proposals on speed limits.”