The survey by the A9 Safety Group found that 20% of respondents indicated that they had travelled at 15 miles an hour or more above the speed limit and more than a third (38%) had driven at 10 miles or more above the limit either “occasionally” or “frequently”.
The research comes as the installation of average speed cameras on the A9 causes conjecture.
In response Transport Minister Keith Brown said: ‘This survey is an important part of our work to improve safety on the A9 ahead of dualling. It indicates that we are heading in the right direction with our plans which focus on engineering, engineering and enforcement.
‘We have committed to dualling the A9 by 2025 and the meantime we will continue to work with partners such as Police Scotland and the Safety Camera partnerships to make a positive difference for A9 road users.
‘The recently approved proposals to raise the HGV speed limit will bring operational and journey time benefits for users and the average speed cameras will ensure that people drive within the legal limits.
‘The A9 Safety Group is clear that average speed cameras are effective in saving lives and this is backed up by the facts. Before and after studies of other average speed camera sites in the UK show a reduction in accidents. On average, they achieved a 61 per cent reduction in fatal and serious accidents. Average speed cameras encourage drivers to improve their behaviour and we are already seeing this on the A9 where the number of people speeding is falling.’
He added that the survey will be repeated next year, after the average speed cameras and 50mph HGV speed limit pilot have been operational for six months.
