27 lives lost on A82 in the last five years – support the Courier A82:Make it Safe campaign today!
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Shocking figures from the Scottish Government show that fatalities have increased on the A82 over the past five years.
From 2015-19, 27 people lost their lives on the trunk road – an increase of four over the previous five years between 2010-14.
The Inverness Courier has raised the matter in the Scottish Parliament, with four days left to record your view on the road.
A petition with the Scottish Parliament, lodged by The Inverness Courier closes on January 6.
Kate Forbes MSP, who recently published a consultation seeking targeted improvements to the A82, said she was particularly keen to see road safety improved in the West Highlands.
Over the past decade the A9 was Scotland’s deadliest trunk road with 74 fatalities, though over the past five years the number of deaths have dropped significantly – thought to be linked to the introduction of average speed cameras from Dunblane to Inverness at the end of 2014.
Kate Forbes MSP said: “Every death is a tragedy, and these figures remind us that Highland roads continue to claim so many lives.
“The A9 continues to be the deadliest road, but the fall in the numbers is something that should be carefully studied so as to learn how we can make it even safer. Both the average speed cameras and the dualling will make a big difference.
“The A82 is not far behind, and every accident and fatality is a cause for grief. I am determined to do all we can to improve safety on the A82.
“As a local Highlander, I drive these roads regularly, as do my friends and family. We must do everything we can to make improvements.”
Roads campaigner Samantha Cousin, originally from Smithton, who lost her son Rhys (25) and his family Gemma (25) alongside infants Heidi (3) and Peyton (1) on the road in February 2020, said: "These figures only reveal what we already know. The road is dangerous, the government has ignored it. There is no time to waste in continuing to push for substantial investment in the road."
To sign the petition and to make your feelings known to the Scottish Parliament petitions committee visit http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01846
