Scotland’s transport minister yesterday accused rival politicians of defending speeding by opposing the new average speed cameras on the A9 Inverness-Perth road.
Recently appointed Derek Mackay got his boots dirty on the trunk route at Kincraig where he saw the latest ground investigation work for dualling the notorious road.
And he took the opportunity of being in Danny Alexander’s constituency to have a dig at the Chief Secretary to the Treasury who maintains opposition to the cameras.
Mr Mackay’s visit came only days after the first post-camera statistics were released.
The figures showed that speeding is down from one in three drivers to one in 20, with 298 vehicles recorded breaking the 60mph threshold since the cameras went live at the start of November.
Mr Mackay said: “I am not interested in headlines. I am interested in safety and saving lives and keeping safe will support the local economy.
“That is why improved journey times are important. Excessive speed is down and that is good news.
“Safety is paramount and this is not a good opportunity to defend speeding. Those who have chosen to do so have put petty politics above the safety of their constituents.”
“The cameras may be unpopular but they are necessary and are changing behaviour.”
Mr Mackay added: “The Scottish Government has made dualling of the A9 a priority – I am proud that we are the first administration ever to do so – and I am delighted to see ground investigation work underway ahead of construction starting this summer. After years of talk about the A9 upgrade, regular road users will soon see that investment being delivered.”
A spokesman for Mr Alexander said: “The next time an SNP minister comes to stand by the A9, they might want to bring a shovel.
“It might be the only way to see any kind of progress from an SNP government that has failed to dual a single metre of road after seven years in office.”
Hopes are high that construction of the five mile Dalraddy-Kincraig section will start in summer and be open around 18 months later. The £50million contract will be awarded in the next few months.
Motorists on the A9 face traffic restrictions from Monday as the latest phase of groundwork starts.
There will be lane closures and temporary traffic lights, with a 30mph speed limit in force until Monday February 16.
