The Scottish Conservatives have launched a campaign page calling on the SNP to fully dual the A96 as a “matter of life or death” after abandoning plans to complete the work by 2030.
Major doubt has been cast after a review, conducted by Transport Scotland, recommended scrapping proposals to make the Inverness to Aberdeen road fully dual carriageway.
The campaign, which has gone live on the Scottish Conservatives website, seeks to gather support from the public to stop the SNP from rowing back on their commitment, announced in 2011 under Alex Salmond’s government.
But 13 years and 16 transport ministers later, another consultation has been lodged following the review, costing taxpayers £6 million.
In the days since the review was published, there have already been several collisions on the A96, including on Saturday when the road was closed for seven hours following a crash between Alves and Forres.
And despite 128 people being killed or injured on the A96 since 2021, just £700,000 has been spent on improving the road over that time.
Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross said: “The SNP government are misleading parliament and the public by claiming to still support dualling the road, when Transport Scotland is promoting alternatives to a full upgrade.
“Dualling the road can be the difference between life and death, which is why this campaign will send a strong message to the Scottish Government to reject this politically driven review, aimed at pleasing the Greens and their anti-motorist agenda.
“Their own documents even say dualling the road will make it safer and reduce deaths, so anything other than a full upgrade, promised in 2011, will be a betrayal to the North and North East.
“Lives are tragically being lost and families are being torn apart by the dangers of this road which, in its present state, is not fit for purpose.
“This campaign isn’t just about dualling the A96 – it’s about protecting our future economy and standing up to the SNP government who continue to fail our area.”
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Douglas Lumsden added: “Our campaign stands up for communities across the region who are rightly furious at the SNP’s handling of the A96 dualling project.
“13 years and 16 transport ministers later, they are shamefully rowing back from their pledge made in 2011.
“I encourage everyone to support our campaign to tell the SNP to stop delaying and start delivering the upgrades they promised.
“The A96 needs to be upgraded to give drivers a safer and improved journey between Aberdeen and Inverness, drive the economy forward and ensure our emergency services can get where they need without delays.”
