A82: Make it Safe – MSP commends Courier for trying to raise awareness of A82 issues
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I commend the Courier for the A82: Make it Safe campaign, writes Fergus Ewing MSP
As local MSP for Inverness, I am acutely aware of the loss of life on this and other roads over the years, and the anguish this causes to so many families.
Prime responsibility rests with each of us as drivers. Road incidents occur mostly through human error, and all of us know families whose lives have been touched with tragedy as a result of mistakes made behind the wheel.
That said, some roads are unforgiving of error. Generally, dual carriageways and motorways see fewer serious injuries or fatalities. The A82 is the main artery connecting Glasgow and the central belt to Fort William via Loch Lomond and then continuing to Loch Ness and finally, here in Inverness.
Improvements have been carried out to the road but more are without doubt needed. The terrain makes these improvements costly and maintenance too is a substantial commitment.
The police perform vital work to help ensure the safety of road users, through not only enforcement but education. Their advice as experts should always be heeded in relation to improvements that can be made in relation to traffic management in order to enhance safety.
We also must listen carefully to those community voices along the length of the road as they know it best of all, and the parts of the roads which see most incidents.
Dangerous overtaking is a feature of driving, especially along the loch at certain sections, and the responsibility for any overtaking manoeuvre rests entirely with the driver.
The risks are increased because of the large number of visitors to the Highlands, many who may be less familiar with the rules of the road, and sadly we have seen recent loss of life involving those from other countries.
The Scottish Government has invested in major improvements to the A9 as well as the A82 and I have campaigned for these and I’m pleased that they have taken place. But much more investment is required and I have continuously lobbied the transport minister for this.
The overall demand in Scotland for capital investment for replacing old schools and hospitals, making our road network safer, and of course our rail network, is enormous.
We are currently working on a revised approach. But we should be clear that the budget available means we must prioritise and this does involve difficult decisions.
The Highlands have seen a fair proportion of the capital budget spent on improving our transport network.
Myself and Drew Hendry MP will continue to support colleagues Kate Forbes MSP and Ian Blackford MP in arguing the case for improvements to the Highland road and rail network, including the A82.
To sign the petition visit change.org/p/scottish-government-a82-make-it-safe
