According to new figures released by Police Scotland for October to January, overall speeding is down from around one in three drivers to one in 20. Meanwhile examples of excessive speeding (10 mph+ above limit) are down by 97%.
However, the figures also show that journey times have increased in line with predictions and there is no evidence that drivers are avoiding the A9. In contrast, feedback from hauliers suggests a significant reduction in journey times for HGVs
The A9 average speed camera system and 50mph HGV pilot both went live on 28 October.
Director of Road Safety Scotland Michael McDonnell said: ‘We know that around three quarters of A9 drivers believed average speed cameras would be “effective” or "very effective" in improving safety, and these new findings may strengthen that viewpoint further.
‘It’s important to stress that the cameras aren’t happening in isolation. They are just one part of a substantial package of measures to make the A9 safer such as engineering improvements, improved lighting and signing, and targeted publicity campaigns.
‘As expected, there has been a slight increase in journey times, although some of this can be explained by roadworks that were in place as part of the dualling programme and some of the recent severe weather that we’ve seen. However, it is important to compare and contrast these extra minutes with the costs, both human and financial, of a serious accident, which can also close the road for hours at a time.’
Martin Reid of the Road Haulage Association commented: ‘Almost universally our members report that the flow of traffic is much improved and that journey times if anything can be slightly shorter.
‘Recently, one of our members carried out an experiment by driving the A9 the day before the speed trial began then replicating the journey after the trial started. Journey times from Perth to Inverness and back were reduced substantially at 50mph, even with the addition of the speed cameras – with only an additional 0.5 litre of diesel used. Our member reported the journey was far less stressful because there was a marked reduction in the need for any vehicle to overtake.’
