A recent incident on the A9 in Highland Perthshire has cast a stark light on the critical issue of road safety in the region, as a 25-year-old motorist was caught travelling at a staggering 132 miles per hour. The reckless speed, recorded near Dalnaspidal – a stretch of road that lies between Blair Atholl and Dalwhinnie – significantly exceeded the posted 70mph limit.
The driver, whose identity has not been released, was intercepted by officers from the Perth Road Policing Unit at approximately 10:20 on a recent Sunday morning. Following the detection of this extreme violation, the individual has been formally reported to the procurator fiscal. This action indicates that a report will be submitted to Scotland’s public prosecution service, which will then consider what, if any, legal proceedings should be brought against the driver, potentially leading to a court appearance at Perth Sheriff Court, and significant penalties given the severity of the offence.
This incident serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing dangers on Scotland’s major arterial routes, particularly the A9, which is a vital lifeline connecting Perth and Kinross with the Highlands. For residents and businesses across Perthshire, from the bustling city of Perth itself to the picturesque towns of Pitlochry and Dunkeld, the A9 is more than just a road; it’s the backbone of their economy, facilitating tourism, trade, and daily commutes. Ensuring its safety is paramount to the well-being and prosperity of these communities. The Broader Context: A9 Dualling Delays
The incident also re-ignites public discourse surrounding the Scottish Government’s long-standing commitment to dual the entire length of the A9 between Perth and Inverness. Campaigners, including many voices from within Perth and Kinross, have consistently pressed for the accelerated completion of this ambitious infrastructure project, citing safety improvements as a primary motivation. The stark reality is that currently, only around 35% of this 111-mile section has been upgraded to dual carriageway. The frustration among road users and local authorities is palpable, especially given that the full dualling is now not anticipated to be completed until at least 2035 – a considerable delay from initial promises. The Human Cost of an Unforgiving Road
The calls for urgent action are underpinned by sobering statistics that highlight the devastating human toll on this route. Data collected over the past four years reveals that there have been 321 collisions resulting in injuries on the A9 between Perth and Inverness. Beyond the immediate injuries, these incidents place immense strain on local emergency services across Perth and Kinross, from paramedics and fire crews in areas like Blairgowrie and Crieff, to the hospitals in Perth that often receive casualties.
Most tragically, these figures also show that 28 lives have been lost on this stretch of road in the same four-year period. A particularly grim statistic points to 13 fatalities occurring in the 2022-2023 financial year alone. Each number represents a person, a family, and a community irrevocably altered by tragedy on a road many feel is not fit for purpose in its current state.
For the communities along the A9, such as those in the immediate vicinity of Dalnaspidal, these incidents are not just headlines but a constant source of concern. The undualled sections, often characterised by single carriageways and challenging topography, demand the utmost vigilance from drivers. Yet, as this latest speeding offence demonstrates, human error and irresponsible behaviour continue to pose significant risks.
As Perth and Kinross continues to advocate for enhanced road safety measures and the timely completion of the A9 dualling project, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the immediate need for all drivers to exercise extreme caution and adhere strictly to speed limits and road regulations, ensuring the safety of themselves and all other road users on this critical route.
The driver, whose identity has not been released, was intercepted by officers from the Perth Road Policing Unit at approximately 10:20 on a recent Sunday morning. Following the detection of this extreme violation, the individual has been formally reported to the procurator fiscal. This action indicates that a report will be submitted to Scotland’s public prosecution service, which will then consider what, if any, legal proceedings should be brought against the driver, potentially leading to a court appearance at Perth Sheriff Court, and significant penalties given the severity of the offence.
This incident serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing dangers on Scotland’s major arterial routes, particularly the A9, which is a vital lifeline connecting Perth and Kinross with the Highlands. For residents and businesses across Perthshire, from the bustling city of Perth itself to the picturesque towns of Pitlochry and Dunkeld, the A9 is more than just a road; it’s the backbone of their economy, facilitating tourism, trade, and daily commutes. Ensuring its safety is paramount to the well-being and prosperity of these communities. The Broader Context: A9 Dualling Delays
The incident also re-ignites public discourse surrounding the Scottish Government’s long-standing commitment to dual the entire length of the A9 between Perth and Inverness. Campaigners, including many voices from within Perth and Kinross, have consistently pressed for the accelerated completion of this ambitious infrastructure project, citing safety improvements as a primary motivation. The stark reality is that currently, only around 35% of this 111-mile section has been upgraded to dual carriageway. The frustration among road users and local authorities is palpable, especially given that the full dualling is now not anticipated to be completed until at least 2035 – a considerable delay from initial promises. The Human Cost of an Unforgiving Road
The calls for urgent action are underpinned by sobering statistics that highlight the devastating human toll on this route. Data collected over the past four years reveals that there have been 321 collisions resulting in injuries on the A9 between Perth and Inverness. Beyond the immediate injuries, these incidents place immense strain on local emergency services across Perth and Kinross, from paramedics and fire crews in areas like Blairgowrie and Crieff, to the hospitals in Perth that often receive casualties.
Most tragically, these figures also show that 28 lives have been lost on this stretch of road in the same four-year period. A particularly grim statistic points to 13 fatalities occurring in the 2022-2023 financial year alone. Each number represents a person, a family, and a community irrevocably altered by tragedy on a road many feel is not fit for purpose in its current state.
For the communities along the A9, such as those in the immediate vicinity of Dalnaspidal, these incidents are not just headlines but a constant source of concern. The undualled sections, often characterised by single carriageways and challenging topography, demand the utmost vigilance from drivers. Yet, as this latest speeding offence demonstrates, human error and irresponsible behaviour continue to pose significant risks.
As Perth and Kinross continues to advocate for enhanced road safety measures and the timely completion of the A9 dualling project, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the immediate need for all drivers to exercise extreme caution and adhere strictly to speed limits and road regulations, ensuring the safety of themselves and all other road users on this critical route.