Scotland’s top traffic policeman has warned motorists that his officers will be patrolling the A9 to deal with people carrying out “crazy” overtaking manoeuvres.
Chief Superintendent Iain Murray, head of roads policing at Police Scotland, urged the drivers of slow-moving vehicles to pull over and let faster ones pass.
He added that people should be patient and considerate of other road users and understand that the £2.5million average-speed cameras scheme would also help protect staff working on the £3billion A9 dualling project.
Mr Murray said: “Average-speed camera system moderate behaviour and they do reduce the incidence of collision and serious injury.
“It is not the be all and end all, driver behaviour is the thing that will keep people safe.
“It is about showing concern, consideration and respect for one another because you need to allow overtaking.
“If you are in a slow-moving vehicle, be aware of what is behind you, move over and let the traffic past – it will reduce frustration and reduce any elements of risk-taking.”
Mr Murray said average-speed cameras would enforce the speed limit – 60mph for cars and 50mph for HGVs on single carriageways – and ultimately lead to improved safety.
“The cameras will impact on driver behaviour and I will still have patrols on the road,” he added.
“I am hearing comments that they won’t stop crazy overtakes but they will have an impact on that element of driving too and my officers will still be there to deal with that.”
Mr Murray said a “commonsense approach” to safety was needed on the A9.
“It is a long road, there are a lot of challenging conditions and people must leave realistic time for journeys,” he added.
SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Dave Thompson said studies across the UK had shown that average-speed cameras reduce the number of fatal and serious road accidents by 61%.
“The SNP in government has demonstrated real commitment to improving safety on the A9.
“These improvements will make this key road safer and save lives – and I hope that everyone in the Highlands will get behind these commonsense moves.”