Logistics UK has joined forces with John Cooper, MP for Dumfries and Galloway, to call for the A75 in southwest Scotland to become a dual carriageway to improve connectivity between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, drive regional economic growth and improve road safety.
The call was made at a meeting held to discuss the critical role of the logistics sector in Scotland.
During the meeting, the MP and Alexandra Herdman, Logistics UK policy lead for Scotland, discussed how logistics contributes £7.8bn to Scotland’s economy, and is one of Scotland’s largest employers, with more than 200,000 people - 7.8% of the Scottish workforce - employed in logistics roles, at inland hubs, ports and airports.
Herdman said: “Logistics underpins the economy, connecting Scotland to markets across the UK and around the world and the A75 is one of the UK’s most strategically important freight arteries.
“The 95-mile route links the ferry ports for Northern Ireland at Cairnryan with the A74(M) and M6 motorways, yet most of the road is single carriageway.
“Upgrading the A75 could lead to safer roads and faster loads – we are urging the Scottish Government to commit to dualling the A75.”
The two also argued that as a dual carriageway the road would be a lot safer.
John Cooper MP said, “The case for dualling the A75 is about much more than speed. It is about creating a safer, more reliable and more efficient transport corridor that serves local communities, supports economic growth and strengthens one of the UK’s most important freight routes.
“The A75 demonstrated its national importance following Storm Darragh, and the resulting damage to the docks at Holyhead in 2024, when it provided a critical alternative route to the island of Ireland.
“Upgrading the road to a dual carriageway will ensure the resilience of this route in times of crisis and ensure the safe movement of passengers and freight.
“Short-term, I would like to see improvements made quickly – more crawler lanes for safer overtaking, and areas where adverse camber and badly aligned junctions pose a risk to all road users addressed as a matter of urgency on safety grounds.”
In addition to dualling the A75, Logistics UK is pressing for the provision of high-quality truck stops to ensure drivers using this route have sufficient places to rest.
“HGV drivers are required by law to take regular rests, and simple things like having safe and secure parking and somewhere to buy healthy meals can have a massive impact on quality of life,” Herdman continued.
“There is a strong connection between how safe drivers feel when parked up and their ability to rest properly but there is a national shortage of safe, high-quality rest facilities.
“Upgrading the A75 to a dual carriageway with sufficient safe and secure driver facilities is an immediate priority to enable the industry to operate as efficiently as possible and continue supplying communities and supporting local economies.”
