CASUALTIES on one of Scotland’s deadliest roads have almost halved since the introduction of average speed cameras.

There has been a 45 per cent reduction in overall casualties on the A9 in the 21 months since the cameras were installed.

Journey times have increased between Dunblane and Inverness, but advanced motoring institute IAM RoadSmart said this is a small price to pay for the number of lives saved.

Herald View: Facts speak for themselves on speed camera efficacy

There has been 43 per cent fewer fatalities and a 63 per cent reduction in serious casualties since 2014.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Expensive to install, loved by most but still loathed by many, the A9 average speed cameras have delivered the biggest change in driver behaviour in Scotland for decades.

“Excessive speeding has all but disappeared and the number of tickets issued is very small. Few other road safety tools offer this level of compliance.

“We recognise there have been some small increases in journey times, but balanced against the falls in death and injury this seems a very small price to pay.

“The A9 will now be a building site for the next 10 years so drivers must continue to show the same levels of patience and responsibility that they have shown so far.”

Herald View: Facts speak for themselves on speed camera efficacy

An average of 142,000 vehicles travel every day on the 273-mile long road, which stretches from Thurso to central Scotland.

Work is under way to lay extra lanes and create a dual carriageway along the full expanse of the road.

Design work for the A9 dualling programme will begin on the Slochd summit – the 15-mile stretch near Inverness – early in 2017.

The Scottish Government introduced a higher speed limit of 50mph for HGVs at the same time as the introduction of average speed cameras to reduce driver frustration.

Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, said: “Once again we continue to see the very clear safety benefits that average speed cameras have had by helping to enforce speed limits on the A9.

“However, alongside other tools, average speed cameras are also a cost-effective way to reduce climate emissions, as well as fuel costs for motorists.

“To reduce health-threatening levels of air pollution and meet our climate targets, the use of average speed cameras and other approaches to help reduce excessive speeds should be seriously considered on all major roads across Scotland.

“As part of its forthcoming climate and energy plans, we very much hope the Scottish Government will follow the advice of its own independent climate watchdog and consider greater enforcement of speed limits to help meet carbon targets.”

Herald View: Facts speak for themselves on speed camera efficacy

Maree Todd, SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “The A9’s improving safety record is really reassuring news for the thousands of drivers that use Scotland’s longest trunk road every day, as well as those travelling over the Christmas holidays.

“There has been a sustained improvement in driver behaviour and a corresponding fall in collisions and casualties – with 43 per cent fewer fatalities and a 63 per cent reduction in serious casualties between Dunblane and Inverness in the first 21 months of the average speed cameras.”“Every road death is one too many and the SNP remains steadfastly committed to reducing casualty numbers further.

“Once completed, the dual carriageway will help grow the economy of the Highlands and Islands through improvements, road safety and journey times, as well as better links for public transport and the various tourist and recreational attractions along the route.”