Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell has added his voice to the growing debate over delays to the upgrade of a notorious stretch of road on the A75 near Annan.
Following a recent spate of accidents and fatalities on the busy Gretna to Dumfries trunk road, Mr Mundell said it was clear that a start date for the A75 road improvement scheme be prioritised to prevent further loss of life at the crash blackspot, situated between Hardgrove Crossroads and Kinmount.
Although preliminary work has now been completed, the project was pushed down the Scottish Government's capital programme due to budget restraints, and there is currently no scheduled start date.
Commenting on the need for action, Mr Mundell said: "The tragic events at this accident blackspot on the A75 in recent weeks have highlighted the need for an urgent safety review, and the planned improvements to the road must be brought forward as a matter of urgency as well. The A75 is a vital lifeline for the many areas it serves, and I would urge the Scottish Government to prioritise this improvement scheme. The casualties of these latest accidents are a constant reminder of the dangers that our roads can bring about. That is why I have signed the road safety petition launched by the Dumfries and Galloway Standard, and would urge all local constituents to do the same. Their ‘Time to Act’ campaign has my full support."