The results show that Europe’s longest average speed enforcement system – which covers 220km between Dunblane and Inverness – is delivering fewer casualties and improved journey reliability.
Vysionics installed a number of SPECS3 average speed cameras along the route last year and they will remain in place until the the route is dualled, with the scheme due for completion in 2025.
The A9 average speed camera system went live in October. Initial performance analysis of the route for the first quarter (October-January) is now available and coincides with the first release by Police Scotland of the number of detections by the average speed cameras in this period.
The main findings show:
- Fewer than four vehicles per day have warranted further enforcement action
- Overall speeding is down from around one in three drivers to one in 20
- Examples of excessive speeding (10 mph+ above limit) are down by 97%
- Journey times have increased in line with predictions (three to 14 minutes)
- Journey time reliability has improved
- There is no evidence that drivers are avoiding the A9
- Feedback from hauliers suggests a significant reduction in journey times for HGVs.
The typical accident monitoring period for road safety schemes is the three-year period after completion of the scheme, compared to the equivalent time before its delivery. Initial assessment suggests that the number of fatal and serious accidents between Perth and Inverness is substantially lower this summer than in any of the three preceding summers, measured from early June, over the same time the average speed cameras were being deployed.
The chair of the A9 Safety Group, Transport Scotland’s Stewart Leggett, said: “It is encouraging to see the improved driver behaviour following the introduction of the average speed cameras and HGV speed limit pilot, ahead of the dualling. Drivers are clearly paying heed and moderating their speed, and we welcome this positive contribution to road safety on the A9.”
Chief Superintendent Iain Murray, head of road policing for Police Scotland, said:
"It is clear that the cameras are changing driver behaviour in the way that we expected. This will undoubtedly help to make the A9 safer for all road users.”
Geoff Collins, sales and marketing director for Vysionics ITS, added: “I’m satisfied to see the benefits we anticipated are indeed being delivered along the length of the A9. A well designed average speed enforcement scheme will reliably change driver behaviour for the good – bringing down casualties and improving traffic flows whilst also being perceived as ‘fairer’ by road users.”
