MSP calls for action to stop ‘heartbreak’ of A82 deaths

Jackie Baillie has called for urgent upgrades to the A82 after the death of a motorcyclist last week.

Phil Buchan (31), from Clydebank, died in a crash near Tarbert on April 20.

Now the Dumbarton MSP has since been contacted by a resident concerned about the state of the road and worried that it is dangerous for motorists and bikers.

New figures show that on the stretch of the A82 between the Erskine Bridge and the A83 at Tarbet.

In the last five years, there have been 11 fatalities including three in 2021 alone.

An upgrade programme for the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan is currently being consulted on while plans to overhaul the A83 are also ongoing.

However Ms Baillie is worried that there will be more deaths before the road is upgraded.

 “My greatest sympathies go out to the family of Phillip Buchan following his tragic death last week,” she said.

“It is always devastating to hear of someone losing their life on the road especially someone so young and with so much to look forward to.

“I am extremely concerned that the A82 has a history of accidents going back to the start of the millennium. It is a dangerous road and needs to be made a priority by the SNP Government.

“Some of the problems with the road, which are not easy and quick to fix, make it dangerous, but flooding on the route and dreadful potholes make the problems even worse.

“Considering the tourism opportunities and the popularity of staycations rising, it is imperative that we make sure people who want to enjoy the beautiful Loch Lomondside area and beyond can do so safely.

“We cannot face another year when people are losing their lives on the A82 when there is action that can be taken to make the route safer.

“I am also worried that the stretch of the A82 which runs through Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven and Balloch, has seen so many deaths within the last five years, notably three in the last year alone.

“These figures represent people who are missed and we must ensure we are doing all we can to stop more families suffering from this heartbreak.”