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A9 average speed cameras stats due A9 average speed cameras stats due
(about 1 hour later)
Statistics linked to the setting up of average speed cameras on the A9 are expected to be released later.Statistics linked to the setting up of average speed cameras on the A9 are expected to be released later.
The controversial camera system, which stretches from Perth to Inverness, went live in October.The controversial camera system, which stretches from Perth to Inverness, went live in October.
Despite critics claiming it would have little effect on safety, it is understood both speeding and accidents are down.Despite critics claiming it would have little effect on safety, it is understood both speeding and accidents are down.
Opponents of the average speed cameras argued that slow traffic was more of a problem than speed.Opponents of the average speed cameras argued that slow traffic was more of a problem than speed.
It was claimed that slow traffic such as lorries on the sections of the A9 that are not dual carriageway caused driver frustration leading to dangerous overtaking.It was claimed that slow traffic such as lorries on the sections of the A9 that are not dual carriageway caused driver frustration leading to dangerous overtaking.
Government transport experts and the police disagreed and cameras were introduced at 27 locations on sections of single-carriageway between Perth and Inverness.Government transport experts and the police disagreed and cameras were introduced at 27 locations on sections of single-carriageway between Perth and Inverness.
The road south of Perth to Dunblane is dual carriageway.The road south of Perth to Dunblane is dual carriageway.
'Poor overtaking'
The cameras keep watch for any cars breaking the 60mph speed limit on the single carriageway sections.The cameras keep watch for any cars breaking the 60mph speed limit on the single carriageway sections.
There is also a pilot scheme allowing lorries to go at 50mph, which is 10mph miles an hour faster than the national limit.There is also a pilot scheme allowing lorries to go at 50mph, which is 10mph miles an hour faster than the national limit.
In the past three months there have been no fatalities on the parts of the A9 covered by the cameras and overall the accident rate is down - as is speeding.In the past three months there have been no fatalities on the parts of the A9 covered by the cameras and overall the accident rate is down - as is speeding.
Journey times have been increased as expected but with the accident toll cut, closures on the road have been reduced significantly.Journey times have been increased as expected but with the accident toll cut, closures on the road have been reduced significantly.
The Scottish government hopes to upgrade the whole length of the A9 to dual carriageway by 2025.The Scottish government hopes to upgrade the whole length of the A9 to dual carriageway by 2025.
The £3bn project involves the upgrade of 80 miles of single carriageway.The £3bn project involves the upgrade of 80 miles of single carriageway.
Mike Burns, spokesman for A9 Average Speed Cameras Are Not the Answer, said his group had looked at details of more than 100,000 accidents on the road since 2004.
He said: "Only 2% were determined to be down to speeding and the rest were down to incidents of, for example, foreign drivers being on the wrong side of the road, poor overtaking and right-turn manoeuvres over dual carriageways.
"If these cameras were such a success, why is the A9 Safety Group now considering shutting right turns to stop right-turn accidents?
"The cameras were meant to be the be all and end all of all accidents, but they simply are not."