Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson has written to Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop asking to discuss the benefits of installing overhead average speed cameras on the A75. He insists the current deterrent of safety camera vans are not entirely effective with drivers only adjusting their speeds in the limited locations where the cameras are positioned.
And he says drivers know where these sites are and the predictable deployment of the safety cameras has a diminishing effect over time and little or no affect in areas not covered, reports DnG24.
In his letter, Mr Carson said he believed average speed cameras could reduce the number of fatalities and serious road accidents on the Euro-route. He explained: “Due to the sporadic nature and very high volume of traffic using the A75 – in particular HGVs travelling to and from the ports at Cairnryan – it has a horrific track record.
“Indeed in the Debating Chamber at Holyrood I highlighted the suffering experienced by a wife and daughter whose husband and father died in an A75 accident in November.
“They are now calling for the installation of average speed cameras – in line with those used on the A9 and A77, respectively, as well as other main routes.”
Mr Carson added: “Good driver behaviour must be encouraged at all times and, I believe overhead average speed cameras would be the answer.”
He is also keen to see another safety feature introduced – the raising of speed limits that HGVs can travel at.
