Joint calls on ‘unsafe’ roads

LEADERS from councils in Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire have joined forces to call for investment in the ‘unsafe’ A77 and A75.

The two major trunk roads are critical for connecting passengers and freight between England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Despite this, the roads which run from Ayr to Stranraer and from Stranraer to Gretna, are mainly single carriageway.

Continuing congestion on both routes has led to some drivers taking risks and in 2024 unofficial figures show there were 26 serious accidents on the A77 and 18 on the A75.

Furthermore, since 2016 there have been 20 confirmed fatalities on the A77 and 12 on the A75.

Now both authorities are calling on the Scottish and UK Governments to invest in their trunk roads to improve safety, commerce and address environmental concerns.

Cllr Stephen Thompson, of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “The economy of Dumfries and Galloway is inextricably linked to the effectiveness of the A75 for goods traffic, travel to work and cross region and border connection.

“It is a route that is known for issues, delays and accidents and is impacting on the ambitions of the region for economic growth, investment and jobs that could sustain the communities along its route.

“The South West of Scotland should be recognised as a region that adds significant benefit to the Scottish economy, and investment into our trunk roads and transport infrastructure should be central to the future programme for government.”

Cllr Brian Connolly, of South Ayrshire Council, added: “Freight operators and Stena have described the A77 and A75 as outdated and unsafe, and a threat to the region’s economic growth. This is a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with.”

Road campaigners have echoed the sentiments, with A77 Campaign Team member John Campbell saying: “We regard the A77 to be one of, if not the most important, trunk roads linking the M8 industrial corridor to the A77 and the rest of Scotland to Northern Ireland.”

Fellow campaigner Willie Scobie welcomed the joint approach, adding: “The A77 has been designated as the worst trunk road in the whole of Scotland. This would not be tolerated anywhere else in Scotland so why should we have to put up with such a disastrous road?”