Transport Scotland has been urged to consider amending its policy to enable changes to accident blackspots along part of the A9.
Gail Ross, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, has been writing to the Scottish Government for the past two years to press for improvements at several areas along the trunk road between Inverness and Thurso.
In recent months, there have been several accidents at junctions around Tain and at the Tomich junction, by Invergordon, which have prompted Mrs Ross to write to Transport Secretary Humza Yousaf.
Concerns have also been raised by local councillor Maxine Smith about the number of near misses every week at Tomich.
But a Transport Scotland spokesman said safety schemes are prioritised in terms of their expected casualty reduction savings – based on police data on injury accidents – and that there is no systematic recording of near misses or “damage only” accidents.
Mrs Ross said: “I would like the Scottish Government to regard a wider range of factors when they are considering changing speed limits or approaches to junctions. I am concerned that at present there appears to be a focus on fatality statistics.
“I feel that the number of accidents and near misses should also be taken into consideration so that a proactive approach can be taken to road safety.”
And Ms Smith, who represents the Cromarty Firth ward, said last night: “As only one has resulted in a fatality, it doesn’t figure high enough on Transport Scotland’s list of criteria for an upgrade.
“I have been campaigning for 11 years on this and fully endorse her letter and am more than happy she has agreed to take this forward.”
Mrs Ross also said towns like Golspie – which is split by the A9 – could also potentially miss out on the safety that could come with the instigation of 20mph speed limits.
She said she is supporting a community effort there for a permanent reduction in the speed limit through the village – from 30mph to 20mph.
Highland Council announced earlier this year that it will spend £250,000 over the next five years introducing 20mph limits in Dingwall, Alness, Invergordon and Tain.
This will involve new gateway signs, 20mph repeater signs and speed indication devices which warn motorists if they are going too fast.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said Mr Yousaf would be happy to meet Mrs Ross to discuss the matter.
He added: “Existing speed limit guidance focuses on a range of factors, including accidents and casualties, traffic flows, severance, facilities for vulnerable road users and assessments of the costs and environmental impacts of other measures such as lining, signing or other physical measures. It is not restricted to the consideration of fatal accidents.
“The guidance is also clear that lowering speed limits should not happen in isolation and that any proposal to vary a speed limit should recognise that all limits must be reasonable and consistent. Limits that are set in isolation, or are seen by drivers as being inconsistent with the road conditions, are likely to be ineffective.”
