Click here to return to the Press Release Index

24th June 2009

Aberdeenshire Road Accidents

Tory MSP Alex Johnstone has highlighted Scottish Government statistics published this week which show a reduction in road deaths across Aberdeenshire, but an overall increase in casualties.

Mr Johnstone said "Between 2004 and 2008, there were an average of thirty fatal accidents on Aberdeenshire roads per year.  The 2008 figure shows this has decreased to twenty one."

"However, whilst fatalities on Aberdeenshire roads fell from an average of 33 per year, to 26, overall, there was an increase in casualties from 199 to 257". When we look at the fatal and serious accident figures, this shows an increase from an average of 161 between 2004 and 2008, to 205 in 2008 and I find this deeply concerning."

Mr Johnstone concluded "I appreciate that Grampian Police are making very concerted efforts in the form of specific directed patrolling and very intensive education in senior secondary schools. Whilst we can all play a role in reducing accidents on our roads, the Scottish Government needs to look closely at providing more investment in our infrastructure, and these figures show that Aberdeenshire deserves a larger share of the money."