The Scottish Government was facing fresh calls to scrap its A9 average-speed cameras plan last night as it was revealed exactly where they will be.
A map released by Transport Scotland shows stretches of the trunk road south of Inverness will be festooned with the controversial devices.
The Highlands and islands branches of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) want the £2.5million project put on hold until the effectiveness of other safety measures has been assessed.
They fear it could have an adverse impact on the region’s economy and vital tourism trade.
They made the call at the opening of an exhibition in Inverness outlining details of the 100 or so cameras which will line single carriageway sections of the A9 from the Highland capital to Dunblane by October.
Several members of the public who attended the exhibition also criticised the camera scheme – with one Inverness resident saying it would cause “mayhem”.
The two organisations are part of the A9 Safety Group and met Transport Minister Keith Brown and Highland MP Danny Alexander yesterday to discuss the camera issue.
Catherine Bunn, vice-chairwoman of the FSB regional branch, said: “Our main concerns are overtaking and driver frustration, and blanket speed cameras don’t tackle either.
“It’s like Big Brother is watching. It’s very negative reinforcement.”
SCDI Highlands and islands director, Fraser Grieve, said: “We are concerned about the unknown impact it might have on business and tourism.”
Mr Brown said the Scottish Government had listened to concerns.
He added: “The cameras are going to make a real difference to safety.”
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