Calls for 'honesty and transparency' in A9 dualling as consultation opens
The consultation was launched as a meeting on the matter took place in Kincraig.
Last updated 9th Aug 2023
People across Scotland are being urged to participate in a new consultation on the dualling of the A9 between Inverness and Perth.
The consultation was opened by the Scottish Parliament's Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee today, after A9 safety campaigner Laura Hansler submitted a petition calling on the Scottish Government to fulfil its 2011 pledge to complete the project.
A meeting was held in Kincraig to officially launch the survey, with the committee's convenor and various local stakeholders in attendance.
Following discussions, a community councillor called for "honesty and transparency" from Scottish Ministers after it was confirmed earlier this year the dualling of the A9 would not be completed by 2025.
Once the consultation closes on September 15th, the findings will be presented to Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition, Màiri McAllan MSP, to provide evidence and respond to the findings.
A9 fatalities is a "tragically regular reminder" to improve road - Jackson Carlaw
Committee Convenor Jackson Carlaw MSP wants people from across the country to share their opinion.
He said: "The dualling of the A9 is a matter of significant public interest and safety concern, not only to the people of the Highlands but also to others all over Scotland.
“The Committee are encouraging everyone to take part in the consultation and share their views, to help us understand local priorities, the impact that continued delays are having on businesses and the economy and what the strategy for dualling should be going forward.
“The continued loss of life on the A9 is a tragically regular reminder of the need to improve the safety of the route and the consultation offers a vital opportunity for everyone to contribute their thoughts on how best to do this.
“Your input matters, and we want to hear from road users, communities along the route and businesses alike.
“This is an opportunity to make your voices heard and to consider how to create a safer and more efficient A9 that protects all those who travel along it.”
A9 safety campaigner Laura Hansler is welcoming the launch of the consultation.
She said: "From the outset the Scottish Parliament’s Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee have recognised the gravity and importance of the petition, which has significant support locally, but also from people right across Scotland.
“It’s extremely encouraging that the Convener has chosen to launch the Committee's call for views in Kincraig, to meet with local people and businesses, at the heart of the communities that are affected daily by the A9.
“Direct community engagement is essential for us moving forward and this consultation will give everyone with an interest in the A9 the opportunity to share their views and play their role in holding the Scottish Government to account on their commitment to dual the road between Perth and Inverness.”
Nethy Bridge and outlying areas Community Council Chair Sandy McCook also took part in today's meeting at Kincraig, representing all community councils within Badenoch and Strathspey.
Following a number of fatalities in the area last year, Mr McCook feels Scottish Government ministers must act urgently to dual the road between Inverness and Perth.
He said: "One thing we are looking for is transparency and honesty because for a number of years now it has basically been kicked down the road, we've had endless promises that it was going to happen and we have not seen that come to fruition.
"There is great anger that the central belt have had a lot of facilities built, Aberdeen has had a bypass and we're being left behind.
"This has been a chance for us today to give the Petitions Committee our Highland opinion on the A9."
A9 dualling "a complex exercise" - Transport Scotland
Transport Scotland say a further update on the project will be provided in the autumn.
A spokesperson: "The Scottish Government remains firmly committed to completing the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness.
"We are currently considering the optimal delivery programme to provide greater certainty to the public, businesses and other stakeholders around robust new timescales having taken account of the impacts of the ongoing statutory process, the effects of the Covid pandemic, economic uncertainty and the current cost crisis.
"This is a complex exercise which looks at a number of factors including how the project can be delivered most efficiently by the industry, whilst minimising disruption to road users and helping to support economic recovery post-COVID.
"This work is expected to conclude in Autumn 2023 and an update on a new timescale for completion will be provided to the Scottish Parliament at that time."