Loch Lomond tourism drive isn't sustainable without road upgrades MSP warns

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The continued push to attract more tourists to Loch Lomond isn’t sustainable without upgrades to the road network, an MSP has warned.Speaking after a Freedom of Information request (FOI) submitted by the Scottish Conservatives showed that there had been 150 accidents on the busy A83 between Arrochar and Campbeltown since 2016, West of Scotland MSP Pam Gosal warned that the road network was in need of an upgrade.Figures showed that, between 2016 and 2020, six fatal incidents occurred on the route, whilst 33 were classed as serious.The A83 has also regularly been closed by landslides during inclement weather, forcing commuters on a two hour detour via Crianlarich – with a long-term replacement for the route selected by Transport Scotland last year.However, Ms Gosal has called for further action, to ensure the A83 – which is the main road from central Scotland into the West Highlands, remains as safe as possible for commuters and tourists.She said: “The A83 is absolutely critical for the local economy, but it badly needs urgently upgraded and made fit for purpose.“These stark statistics prove that.

My thoughts are with those who have lost their lives on this road or been involved in an accident of any kind.“We cannot continue to see such a significant number of accidents take place every single year on the A83.“The SNP must ignore the calls from their Green partners and commit to investing in making this route a safer experience for drivers.“There continue to be calls to boost tourism in Loch Lomond and the surrounding communities, but that cannot be sustained without local road infrastructure being upgraded.“I will be continuing to push the SNP-Green coalition to invest in the A83 to ensure it is fit for purpose and boosts