Highland politicians welcomed figures showing a dramatic drop in speeding in the first three months of the A9 cameras – with the SNP saying the Scottish government’s position has been vindicated.
However, some campaigners have questioned the data – while north MP Danny Alexander continues to press for faster progress on upgrading the route between Inverness and Perth.
Mr Alexander said: “Everyone locally knows that dualling the A9 is by far the biggest safety improvement we need. It is past time that the SNP stopped ignoring the Highlands and made a serious attempt to dual the road.”
Mr Alexander had previously claimed the average speed cameras could create rat runs elsewhere as motorists tried to avoid them – but yesterday’s report did not bear this out.
Transport Scotland tested alternative routes such as the road between Carrbridge and Kingussie and said there was “no evidence” to support the suggestions.
Highland MSP Mike MacKenzie said some of the Chief Secretary to the Treasury’s claims on average sped cameras had been “reckless”.
He added: “With his assertions plainly unsupported by the evidence, Mr Alexander should now apologise and end his irresponsible opportunism.”
North MSP David Stewart, Labour’s shadow transport minister said the cameras were not the only solution.
“Whilst these statistics show a reduction in accidents and speeding, it is important that we increase road safety everywhere by ensuring there are increased driver education and advice programmes in place to secure safer Scottish roads,” he added.
Campaign group A9 Average Speed Cameras Are Not The Answer pointed to figures showing that the number of incidents which resulted in the road being closed had risen to 22 after the cameras were switched on – up from 16 in the previous three months.
Spokesman Mike Burns said the picture was not as rosy as advocates of average speed cameras would have people believe.
“So we now have official confirmation,” he said.
“Lower speeds which were already below the average speed before any cameras were even constructed, more reported accidents, significantly increased journey times and no credible like for like average speed data.
“This is all before the traffic volume increases during the busy tourist season.”