New cameras to help at 'worst A9 blackspot'

Caithness drivers heading south on the A9 will need to check their speed with the introduction of mobile speed camera units stationed on the Tain bypass.

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, who backed the community’s campaign for more safety measures around Tain’s Aldi and Lidl junctions, recently visited the camera units.

Mrs Grant was shown how the unit helps to reduce speed on the bypass where the limit is now 50mph.

The North Safety Camera Unit issued an invitation to Mrs Grant given her work with constituents who were keen to see improvements at the accident spot.

“As with all drivers, I know that a glimpse of the camera unit does keep my speed in check and is a handy reminder of any changes to limits on the road,” she said.

“Thanks to the member of staff who showed me around, socially distanced of course, as it was good to see its inner workings. The site I visited was an already established location for the North Safety Camera Unit and it will continue to monitor traffic, with the reduced limit, with the aim of making the area safer for all road users.

“I do hope that a lower speed will lead to fewer accidents on this stretch, especially with travel restrictions easing after April.”

Mrs Grant was initially contacted two years ago by constituents who told her that nearly every week an incident happens around the Asda and Lidl junctions.

At the time it was highlighted that 11 accidents had taken place around the Tain junctions, labelling it the worst A9 hotspot.

Transport Scotland is looking into other safety measures including the community’s call to have roundabouts at the junctions.

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