Human cost of A75 exposed

GRIM statistics showing the ‘huge human cost’ on the A75 have finally been laid bare.

In the last decade there has been 19 fatalities, 88 serious injuries and nearly 300 injuries.

Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson this week revealed the abysmal safety record of the road, that he says has left hundreds of family’s lives completely shattered and changed forever.

Speaking at Holyrood, he described the numbers as ‘sobering’, adding: “Let me be clear, the lack of investment is a political choice.

“And that choice costs us – economically, environmentally, and in human lives.

“The A75 carries around 15,000 vehicles daily, 16 per cent of which are HGVs transporting over £6 billion in goods annually. It is the lifeblood of trade through Cairnryan.

Mr Carson told MSPs: “Dualling the A75 in not a luxury – it is a safety and productivity intervention.

“It means safer, faster freight, reliable supply chains, and a fighting chance for inward investment and job creation in the South West.”

Speaking in a members’ debate on “Connecting Scotland”, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP demanded immediate action from the Scottish Government to addressing the lack of investment in the A75.

He said: “This is a test of serious government – of Scotland’s commitment to balanced growth, climate integrity, and citizen safety.

“If this government means what it says, A75 dualling is not discretionary – it is overdue.

“My constituents ask for a fair share of Scotland’s ambition. Dualling the A75 will send a simple, powerful message: the South West matters, connectivity matters, climate and economic leadership can go hand in hand. It is time to act.”

Arguing it’s the backbone of Dumfries and Galloway, Mr Carson said its current state belied its important gateway link between the UK and Ireland for trade and remained a narrow single-carriageway bottleneck.

Yet he pointed to the Dumfries and Galloway Economic Impacts Report that dualling would generate £5 billion of benefits to the UK economy alone.

And the politician warned every delay on the road, according to the South West Scotland Transport Alliance, was costing Scotland’s economy.

He said: “We need shovels in the ground – not another decade of studies. Local businesses echo this frustration.

“For well over a decade, I have championed this cause – raising it in this chamber, pressing ministers, convening round tables, and working with campaign groups.

“I have demanded feasibility studies, pushed for bypass plans, and argued for joint UK-Scottish funding to reflect the route’s strategic importance.

“But warm words and endless reviews do not move shovels. My constituents deserve delivery, not delay.

“This exhausted SNP Government must stop ignoring the South West, take accountability, and fix the A75.

“We need a binding timetable – not dusty reports, but a published programme with dates for route selection, statutory orders, procurement, and phased construction.”