NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 24 November 2009a ROAD ACCIDENTS IN PERTH & KINROSS The ‘Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2008’ figures published today show that there were 14 fatalities on Perth & Kinross roads last year, as well as 116 serious casualties and 358 slight casualties: which MSP Murdo Fraser deems far too high and has called for action to improve the safety record of roads in Perth & Kinross and across Scotland. For full breakdown, the publication can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/933/0090404.pdf Murdo wants to see investment in the Perth & Kinross road network, including the A9, to see a decrease in the number of accidents on the roads as he still believes that there are too many deaths on the roads. Commenting, Murdo said: “It is sad to learn that 14 people have lost their lives on Perth & Kinross roads last year. Although this is a decrease compared to previous years, such as 31 fatalities in 2001, it still means that a number of communities and families were shattered through the grief of a loved one. 14 fatalities and 116 serious casualties is too high a figure and I want to see real action and investment taken to help prevent the loss of life on our roads in Perth & Kinross. “It is vital that funding for our road network is targeted on key strategic routes with the worst accident records. It is clear that the A9 is one of Scotland’s deadliest roads and is also an artery route between the Highlands and Central Scotland. The SNP Government must commit to dualling the A9 in its entirety between Perth and Inverness. I am sure that we would see a reduction in accidents and fatalities if this road were dualled. The longer that the SNP Government delay, then every year we will see a continuation of these sad statistics and families’ losing loved ones on our roads.” ENDS   back to top of page