Scotland's slowest A-road shows how we've got stuck in 20th century
There’s a strong argument that every trunk road should be dualled
The complaint from ferry company Stena Line that their “21st-century port” at Cairnryan is being let down by the “20th-century roads” that lead to it, namely the A75 and A77, is one that will chime with many in rural Scotland.
The A77 holds the unwanted title of Scotland’s slowest A-road with speeds averaging less than 38mph. Meanwhile, a comparison of the mostly single-carriageway A75 and the dual-carriageway A55 in Wales, based on emissions data from a haulier, found the Scottish road produced an extra 640 tonnes of carbon a year, demonstrating the environmental benefits of smooth-flowing traffic.
For safety reasons alone, there’s a strong argument that every trunk road should be dualled. However, given the SNP promised in 2007 to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness and work is not expected to be complete until 2035, no one should hold their breath.
So if you plan to take the ferry to Ireland, fire up the Ford Cortina, pack a picnic of corned beef hash and Arctic rolls, and prepare yourself for a long journey to the sound of T. Rex’s 20th Century Boy. Alas, nostalgia ain’t what it used to be...
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