HC Deb 06 February 1989 vol 146 cc568-9W
Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many fatal road accidents have occurred on the A96 trunk road between Aberdeen and Inverness in each of the past five years and in 1989 to date, indicating the number of fatalities in each accident.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 1 February 1989]The information requested for the A96 trunk road is as follows:

Statistics on accidents are available centrally only to August 1988.

Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to complete his survey on accident blackspots on the A96; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer I February 1989]The Scottish Development Department will provide both Highland and Grampian regional councils with a detailed brief next month in order that they may carry forward studies of the A96. This work will include examination of the route as a whole to determine where accident remedial schemes should be introduced. It is not possible to say precisely when the studies will be completed but they may take a year or so. The hon. Member will, however, wish to know that road safety measures will shortly be completed between Oyne Fork and Pitcaple which was previously identified as the worst accident spot on the route.

Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what budget allocation he has set aside for improvements to the A96 in each of the next five years.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 1 February 1989]Last December, I met members and officials of Highland and Grampian regional councils to discuss their request for improvements to the A96 trunk road. As a result of that meeting studies of the A96 are being extended to identify, along the entire route, possible accident remedial schemes and schemes to improve overtaking opportunities. When this work, to be carried out by both regional councils as the Secretary of State's agents for the trunk road, is complete I will be able to formulate an overall strategy and consider expenditure provision.