A9 branded 'Scotland's deadliest'

There were 69 deaths and more than 1,000 accidents on the A9

More lives were lost on the A9 over a five-year period than any other road in Scotland, according to the latest government figures.

From 2002 to 2006, 69 people died as a result of accidents on the route, which runs from north of Stirling to Thurso.

On the A90 there were 63 deaths, 46 people were killed on the A82, and 41 on the A77.

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has demanded immediate action to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness.

The statistics were released in response to a parliamentary question by the member for Mid Scotland and Fife.

Major improvements are already under way on the A9 and that is why this government is absolutely committed to plan for dualling the A9 Scottish Government spokesman

The figures also showed that over the five years there were more than 1,000 accidents on the road.

"This is a sad accolade to hold and the A9 has been claiming too many lives for too long," Mr Fraser said.

"Not only is the personal injury unbearable to the families affected by the accidents, but the cost on our public services to attend and sort each accident out is massive.

"I believe that if a train line in Scotland witnessed the same number of deaths as the A9 does then something would be done to reduce the fatality rate.

"However, the Scottish Government is still dragging its feet in plans to dual the road in its entirety from Perth to Inverness."

'Top priority'

A Scottish Government spokesman replied: "The safety of Scotland's roads is a top priority.

"That is why major improvements are already under way on the A9 and that is why this government is absolutely committed to plan for dualling the A9.

"We have already taken action to improve the sections at Ballinluig and Helmsdale and brought forward work on dualling the Birnam to Luncarty section.

"Options for dualling the A9 will emerge from the strategic transport projects review in the summer."

The spokesman said that although the A9 had the highest number of fatalities, it was not necessarily Scotland's most dangerous road because of its length.

Other, shorter roads may have a higher number of accidents per mile.