MSP highlights daily 'near misses' on A75

A GALLOWAY MSP has called out the Scottish Government for its 'chronic underinvestment' in the A75, as fatal accidents continue to occur along the route. Conservative MSP Finlay Carson again raised the issue at Holyrood following a fatal crash near Gatehouse of Fleet last week. He further highlighted the daily near misses because of poorly designed junctions at the Haugh of Urr and Twynholm. Speaking in the debating chamber at Holyrood, Mr Carson had asked for an update on road improvements planned on the route, saying: "The honest truth is that the Scottish National Party has failed to invest in the road—what we have heard about is a traffic lights upgrade. "In reality, the bypasses at Crocketford and Springholm are being funded by the United Kingdom Government, so it is quite incredible that the Cabinet Secretary has refused to meet the local MP to discuss the matter. "How can the Scottish Government continue to justify its chronic underinvestment in this vital arterial route through Dumfries and Galloway? He added: "After a decade of inaction, is now not the time to commit to a fully costed, time-bound upgrade plan for the A75 to ensure the safety and economic viability of the local communities, and the wider UK, that it serves?" In her response, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop claimed the Scottish Government recognises the strategic importance of the A75 and were committed to improving safety, resilience and reliability for everyone who uses that key route. The Transport Secretary said she was aware of recent incidents and she had asked Transport Scotland officials to work with local communities along the A75 to identify other improvements that can be made.