A social media campaign group is taking its fight to improve road safety on the A9 to the Scottish Parliament.
Today, a petition was launched on the parliament website calling for the Scottish Government to deliver on its commitment to dual the stretch of road between Perth and Inverness.
This was pledged as a “priority” by the government back in 2011 with plans put in place to complete the work by 2025.
However, only two of the 11 sections have been dualled so far – with a total of 59 lives lost on the road during this time.
The petition has been created by Laura Hansler who herself travels on the A9 most days.
Hearing from the loved ones and families impacted by the dangers of the road made the whole issue more personal for the Kincraig resident, which led her to start the A9 Dual Action Group on Facebook.
It has gained more than 6,000 members in just a couple of months with many raising their own concerns about the lack of process made.
Drivers ‘frightened’ of road
“The petition needs to have an impact,” she said. “I have never seen the A9 in such a bad state. It is not fit for purpose and does not have the infrastructure for the traffic. It is out of hand.
“The dualling is never going to happen by 2025, so in the meantime extra judicial measures for safety are needed.”
The petition, which has gained hundreds of signatures in its first day, requests the publication of a revised timetable and detailed plan for dualling each section.
It will help the group be heard in Holyrood where Ms Hansler will go to speak as their “collective voice”.
The “exponential rate of fatalities” caused by road traffic accidents between Inverness and Perth since 2011 has also been highlighted in the petition.
This year is the deadliest on the A9 since 2010 when 13 fatalities were recorded.
The action group would like to see a memorial created for all 59 of those who have lost their lives.
Ms Hansler added: “I hear a siren going out that road and hold my breath – it’s a horrible feeling.
“There have been more police cars on the road which gives people more confidence, but so many have told me they’re frightened to drive on the road. I feel helpless.”
The petition will be open for signatures until Wednesday, December 28.
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