Meeting of the Parliament 13 November 2024
I thank Douglas Lumsden for securing the debate. I will focus my remarks on the A90, as set out in his motion, although I acknowledge that the debate has provided an opportunity for members to talk about different rural roads, including both trunk and local authority roads.
I start by expressing my sincere sympathies to the families of anyone who has been killed or injured on our roads. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have been involved in recent incidents, including the collision that fatally injured a pedestrian on 8 October on the A952 local authority road, close to the A90 at the Toll of Birness. Up to 7 September 2024, there had been three serious accidents at the junction in the previous five years.
Road safety remains of paramount importance to the Government. That is reflected in our ambition to have zero deaths or serious injuries on our roads by 2050, with an interim target to halve the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the road by 2030.
I have listened closely to the discussion today, and I fully appreciate members’ desire to see further action on improvements, specifically to the A90. The evidence-based transport appraisal that supported the first strategic transport projects review in 2008 and the second review in 2022 did not recommend the dualling of the A90 north of Ellon. Furthermore, I am not apprised of any commitment made in 2007 by this Government, nor are my officials. The SNP manifesto for the 2007 Scottish Parliament elections did not contain a commitment to dual the A90 north of Ellon.
This Government recognises that investment in our responsibility for trunk roads is crucial for rural connectivity and accessing essential services. That is why funding is prioritised, in line with the sustainable investment hierarchy, for maintaining and safely operating our trunk roads and motorways.