A9 campaigner Laura Hansler calls for extra police patrols after a month of deadly crashes

Laura Hansler of the Dual the A9 group has called on the Scottish Government to redirect the dualling programme into the Highlands and beef up road policing ahead of the tourist season. She was responding to a spate of A9 accidents in March.

Alex Salmond had earlier praised Ms Hansler for her work after her petition secured a committee inquiry at Holyrood and put the Scottish Government under extreme pressure for its failings.

She said: “After yet another exceptionally upsetting night, with an horrific road traffic collision at Etteridge, this time two young girls have been left very seriously injured, one of the young girls remains critical and our thoughts and indeed prayers are with the family at this time.

“Police having arrested two men at the scene regarding road traffic offences, inc outstanding offences, this again can only go to highlight the need for a heightened police presence on the A9 especially during peak holiday seasons.

“It would be hoped The Scottish government are actively supporting Police Scotland to enable more patrols to be present on the A9.

“Once again the Scottish Government must be pressed to note the recurrence of these horrific collisions at these particular hotspots which are very apparent to us of those living in the surrounding communities and refocus the urgency to Dual in these areas as a priority.”

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