The SNP have been accused of desperately trying to “shut down debate” over fears average speed cameras could be instaled on two major north-east roads.
Conservative MSP Nanette Milne said the nationalists had a long track record of attacking people who dare to question them which showed they were rattled.
Former First Minister Alex Salmond has claimed the Tory politician was “talking through a hole in her hat” about the threat of devices being erected on the A96 Aberdeen-Inverness road or on the A90 north of Aberdeen.
The MSP for Aberdeenshire East said road safety should not be used as a “political football” because Transport Minister Derek Mackay has said there were “currently no plans” to instal cameras.
Transport Scotland has said the claims made by Mrs Milne, who fears SNP ministers were delaying any decision until after the general election in May, were “simply wrong”.
But a spokeswoman for the agency admitted it was keeping its “options open” in respect of making justified safety improvements, such as cameras, on the trunk road network.
Mrs Milne said: “As with the introduction of average speed cameras on the A9 the SNP are desperate to shut down any local debate on this issue.
“Sadly MSPs and MPs from all parties have become used to a steady stream of negative press releases coming out of the SNP attacking anyone who dares to question them.
“I am disappointed that the transport minister has not been able to give a categorical answer on plans to introduce average speed cameras on the A96 and A90.”
Mrs Milne said First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave an assurance in 2013 that cameras would not be erected on the A96 but claimed it appeared that the pledge was now “unravelling”.
Mr Mackay recently said he was open to the idea of devices being used on other key routes if the case could be justified following the success of the A9 scheme between Inverness and Perth.
North-east Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald said: “Any proposal to improve road safety has to be considered on its merits and safety issues on one stretch of road may be quite different from those on another.
“A safety case would have to show what option would be most suitable for reducing collisions and any proposal would need to be subject to wide consultation.”