Meeting of the Parliament 17 March 2015
A level of analysis would be required there, but what is pretty consistent when we look at the stats that were provided in the briefing for today’s debate is the correlation between the installation, or even perceived installation, of the average-speed cameras and the reduction in speeding. I do not think that it is any coincidence.
Questions have been raised about further deployment of average-speed cameras in other parts of Scotland. We do not have any plans to satisfy the members who have raised that issue by deploying average-speed cameras to any new area as an isolated road safety measure, but where there are further major construction works, we will judge on a case-by-case basis whether they should be deployed as part of the package.
The measure has clearly worked on the A9, where the number of drivers being detected and prosecuted for speeding offences has fallen eightfold. That clearly illustrates the effectiveness of average-speed camera systems and the fairness of their operation. Far higher enforcement levels have been delivered than were previously possible, and much higher compliance levels have been provided than other methods have provided.
We will embark on further educational campaigns not just about the A9—although the A9 will be focused on, as well—because many of the educational messages are relevant the country over.
It is right that the Government listened to what was said on wider speed limits in the Highlands and specifically on the HGV issue as part of that package.
We have a clear commitment around dualling.