The SNP welcomed the results of a new survey on the A9 average speed cameras, and used the figures to again attack local MP Danny Alexander over his anti-camera stance.
The Press and Journal poll showed that more than half of motorists surveyed felt that driver behaviour has improved since the so-called “yellow vultures” were switched on in October on the Inverness to Perth road.
A similar number said that the cameras had made them aware of how fast they were travelling.
The survey also found that only 13% felt there had been a negative impact on motorists’ behaviour, despite fears of opponents.
But the survey has reignited the row between the SNP and Inverness, Nairn, Badneoch and Strathspey MP, Mr Alexander, and yesterday the SNP called on Mr Alexander to retract his “reckless opposition”.
Drew Hendry, the SNP’s candidate challenging for Mr Alexander’s Westminster seat, said: “Yet again Danny Alexander has been proven completely and utterly wrong on his reckless calls to tolerate speeding on the A9 – with this poll showing him completely at odds with public opinion in the Highlands.
“Accidents on the A9 have already cost far too many lives which is why the SNP is taking the action needed to make it safer by dualling the road between Perth and Inverness.
“Until this project is complete, any moves to improve safety on the road should have the backing of everyone in the Highlands – and it’s abundantly clear that the average speed cameras are working.
“If Danny Alexander had got his way, then there would have been no action taken to improve safety on the A9 – an example of the worst type of irresponsible opportunism.
“The do nothing approach Danny Alexander advocated was simply reckless and with the facts conclusively showing that safety has improved, he should be honest enough to apologise.”
But Mr Alexander said: “What 100% of Highlanders know is that dualling the A9 is the best way to make it safer , something the SNP have utterly failed to do after almost eight years of empty promises.
“We do not know yet what impact, if any, the cameras have had on safety. As the SNP’s own Transport Minister has said ‘a longer period is required to evaluate safety performance.'”