A Perthshire taxi driver has been sentenced to prison following a fatal collision on the A9 that claimed the life of a motorcyclist returning home to Arbroath. The incident, which occurred near Auchterarder in May 2023, has sent shockwaves through the local community and sparked renewed calls for road safety improvements on this notoriously challenging stretch of highway.
Martin Gibson, 58, from Sauchie, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. The court heard that Gibson’s taxi pulled onto the northbound carriageway of the A9 from the A824 junction without stopping, despite having ample time to observe the approaching motorcycle. The impact occurred mid-carriageway, resulting in the death of 63-year-old John Hammerton, a former Royal Marine who had been working as a medic on a film set and was just a short distance from home. Dashcam Footage and “Inexplicable” Oversights
Dashcam footage from within the taxi, which was carrying two passengers at the time of the crash, reportedly showed the devastating impact. Investigators stated that Gibson had a clear line of sight for at least six seconds, making his failure to see Mr. Hammerton “inexplicable,” particularly given the well-lit conditions of the dual carriageway. The prosecution argued that Gibson merely “glanced” to his right before attempting to cross the northbound lanes towards Stirling, directly into the path of the oncoming motorcycle. A Community Mourns and Calls for Change
The tragic loss of Mr. Hammerton has deeply affected his partner and family, who were present in the court. His partner described the devastating impact the incident has had on her life in a victim impact statement. The sheriff acknowledged her immense grief and the ongoing struggle to cope with the sudden and avoidable loss. This incident has also resonated with many in Perth and Kinross, where concerns about A9 safety have been long-standing. Local residents are calling for greater vigilance from all drivers, especially professional drivers who frequently navigate this route. Community leaders and road safety advocates emphasize the importance of adhering to traffic laws and exercising extra caution at junctions, particularly those along the A9 known for their complex layouts and high traffic volume. Groups such as the Perth and Kinross Road Safety Partnership have been working to improve road safety awareness through education programs and local initiatives. In the wake of this tragic event, they will undoubtedly redouble their efforts to prevent similar tragedies. Residents are encouraged to participate in community consultations and safety awareness campaigns to contribute to making local roads safer for everyone. The sheriff highlighted the frequency of accidents on this section of the A9 and the prevalence of road safety campaigns, including the ‘Think once…Think twice…Think bike’ initiative, which tragically, Gibson appeared to have disregarded. He stated that Gibson’s actions were not far short of dangerous driving, demonstrating a “total lack of due care and attention.” The sentence reflects the severity of the consequences and aims to send a strong message about the importance of responsible driving, especially for professional drivers operating in the area. Gibson received a 15-month prison sentence and a driving ban exceeding 22 months.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of careless driving, particularly on roads like the A9. It underscores the shared responsibility within the community to prioritize road safety and advocate for continued improvements to our local infrastructure.
The Perth and Kinross community extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Hammerton’s loved ones and hopes that lessons learned from this tragic event will contribute to preventing future accidents on the A9 and beyond. Residents can find resources and information on road safety initiatives through the Perth and Kinross Council website and by contacting local community groups.
Further discussions about A9 safety are anticipated at the next Perth and Kinross Council meeting scheduled for next month at the Council Chambers in Perth. Residents are welcome to attend and voice their concerns and suggestions for enhanced road safety measures.
Martin Gibson, 58, from Sauchie, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. The court heard that Gibson’s taxi pulled onto the northbound carriageway of the A9 from the A824 junction without stopping, despite having ample time to observe the approaching motorcycle. The impact occurred mid-carriageway, resulting in the death of 63-year-old John Hammerton, a former Royal Marine who had been working as a medic on a film set and was just a short distance from home. Dashcam Footage and “Inexplicable” Oversights
Dashcam footage from within the taxi, which was carrying two passengers at the time of the crash, reportedly showed the devastating impact. Investigators stated that Gibson had a clear line of sight for at least six seconds, making his failure to see Mr. Hammerton “inexplicable,” particularly given the well-lit conditions of the dual carriageway. The prosecution argued that Gibson merely “glanced” to his right before attempting to cross the northbound lanes towards Stirling, directly into the path of the oncoming motorcycle. A Community Mourns and Calls for Change
The tragic loss of Mr. Hammerton has deeply affected his partner and family, who were present in the court. His partner described the devastating impact the incident has had on her life in a victim impact statement. The sheriff acknowledged her immense grief and the ongoing struggle to cope with the sudden and avoidable loss. This incident has also resonated with many in Perth and Kinross, where concerns about A9 safety have been long-standing. Local residents are calling for greater vigilance from all drivers, especially professional drivers who frequently navigate this route. Community leaders and road safety advocates emphasize the importance of adhering to traffic laws and exercising extra caution at junctions, particularly those along the A9 known for their complex layouts and high traffic volume. Groups such as the Perth and Kinross Road Safety Partnership have been working to improve road safety awareness through education programs and local initiatives. In the wake of this tragic event, they will undoubtedly redouble their efforts to prevent similar tragedies. Residents are encouraged to participate in community consultations and safety awareness campaigns to contribute to making local roads safer for everyone. The sheriff highlighted the frequency of accidents on this section of the A9 and the prevalence of road safety campaigns, including the ‘Think once…Think twice…Think bike’ initiative, which tragically, Gibson appeared to have disregarded. He stated that Gibson’s actions were not far short of dangerous driving, demonstrating a “total lack of due care and attention.” The sentence reflects the severity of the consequences and aims to send a strong message about the importance of responsible driving, especially for professional drivers operating in the area. Gibson received a 15-month prison sentence and a driving ban exceeding 22 months.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of careless driving, particularly on roads like the A9. It underscores the shared responsibility within the community to prioritize road safety and advocate for continued improvements to our local infrastructure.
The Perth and Kinross community extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Hammerton’s loved ones and hopes that lessons learned from this tragic event will contribute to preventing future accidents on the A9 and beyond. Residents can find resources and information on road safety initiatives through the Perth and Kinross Council website and by contacting local community groups.
Further discussions about A9 safety are anticipated at the next Perth and Kinross Council meeting scheduled for next month at the Council Chambers in Perth. Residents are welcome to attend and voice their concerns and suggestions for enhanced road safety measures.