Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch is pleased to learn that Transport Scotland is to install Smart Signs on the A9 dual carriageway approach to the south side of the Tore roundabout. The purpose of the signs is to enhance pedestrian safety by warning fast approaching cars of the presence of pedestrians crossing the carriageway.

Smart Signs are a relatively new concept in traffic management. The smart signs flash and give a message that pedestrians are crossing when cars approach to encourage road users to slow down, thereby reducing the chance of accidents and fatalities.

Commenting on this, Mr Thompson said,

“It is great news that Transport Scotland will be installing smart signs south of the Tore roundabout”.

“Adults and children cross this busy section of the road, and the smart signs should help to reduce the chance of a tragic accident”.

Dave went on,

“The A9 cuts through the community of Tore meaning many are forced to cross the road on foot or bike. The need for smart signs on the south side of the roundabout where it is a busy dual carriageway is clear to local folk”.

“It is good that Transport Scotland have listened and now recognised this and will act in 2015 as soon as the designs of the signs is resolved. Hopefully these design issues can be resolved quickly”.

“However, whilst this additional safety measure is welcome news, going forward we must also be thinking about a longer term solution, such as a pedestrian bridge which I called for earlier this year”.

Dave has been working with councillors Isobel McCallum, Jennifer Barclay, Craig Fraser,

Diane Agnew, David Alston, and John Mackintosh (Chair of the Killearnan Community Council) on this issue for some time.

Commenting on this councillor David Alston said,

“I fully support this proposal. I believe this will make things safer for pedestrians at Tore and may also be a model for other places in Scotland”.