Concerns have been raised over the A9 dualling plans by the Scottish Greens.

The party has described the scheme as "a mess" and said it will make it more difficult for those living along the route to get from one place to another by bicycle. The worry comes after the Perth branch of the organisation said it was told by a Transport Scotland official that cycle paths would not be provided on both sides of the road.

The road, which runs between Perth and Inverness, is being dualled at a cost of around £3bn, and Transport Scotland has previously said that, when completed, the road would include improved conditions for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

-- Advertisement --

Alison Johnstone, Green MSP and Co-Convener of Holyrood's cross-party group on cycling, said the Government is under "enormous pressure" to increase the number of journeys being made by bicycle.

She added: "It would be monumentally daft if they spent three billion pounds on a dual carriageway that did not incorporate better cycle infrastructure for Perthshire and Highland communities along the route, not to mention the opportunities for cycle tourism."

In response, Transport Scotland said it was listening to feedback on the A9 project, and said the responses indicated that people wanted cycling facilities close to the road and also safe crossing points.

A spokesperson is quoted as saying: "The new cycleway supports the policy set out in the Cycling Action Plan by facilitating links to the communities of Kincraig, Kingussie and Aviemore and will provide a direct alternative to the numerous off road tracks and the Speyside Way.

"As we continue to further develop the A9 dualling programme, provision for non-motorised users including cyclists will be a major factor in the design of schemes taken forward."

(JP/IT)