A Scots MP has challenged Danny Alexander to a public debate over the controversial A9 average-speed cameras.
Pete Wishart, who is the SNP member for Perth and North Perthshire, wants to go face-to-face with the chief secretary to the Treasury over his opposition to the devices.
Transport Scotland is installing about 100 average-speed cameras on the A9 between Inverness and Dunblane and claims the scheme will help cut the road’s accident rate.
Mr Wishart, who is a long-time campaigner for safety improvements on the road, said he wanted people to hear the case for and against the cameras.
He said: “I particularly want to hear why a member of the UK Government cabinet believes that motorists should drive above the national speed limit, and I am looking forward to listening to his detailed evidence in his bizarre claim that people are being put off coming to Scotland because they have learned that they have to drive within legal limits.
“For my part I am just sick to death of receiving those calls from Police Scotland informing me of yet another fatality in my constituency and I will support any measure which ensures we make this road safer.
“Just with physically putting these cameras up there has been a decrease in incidents and there are reports of safer driving.
“What we also have to remember that is that we are simply enforcing the current limit, not reducing it, in a reasonable attempt to stop the fatalities.
“I know Danny as the leader of this campaign will be keen to put his case for speed and exceeding limits and have it challenged, as I am for my support for the cameras.
“So let’s meet, debate this, and let our constituents make up their minds. We can meet on the border of our constituencies on the A9 in Blair Atholl or Dalwhinnie.
“Danny has challenged others to a debate so I know he will be only to happy to oblige.”
A spokesman for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Mr Alexander said: “It is good to hear that Mr Wishart is willing to discuss the A9 cameras issue, something his SNP colleagues in the Highlands have so far refused to do.
“This has never been about individuals. It is about hearing from constituents who have had their views ignored and, at times, misrepresented.
“Instead of issuing press releases, perhaps Mr Wishart could instead urge his colleagues in the Scottish Government to listen to people in the Highlands.”