MSP named Parliamentarian of the Month

Brake has named Dave Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Road Safety Parliamentarian of the Month for his work campaigning for barriers on level crossings and improvements to the A830 ‘road to the isles’.

After a crash in 2009 that claimed three lives on a level crossing where there were no barriers, Mr Thompson began a campaign to have barriers installed at all 23 open level crossings in the Highlands.

He launched a media campaign, giving dozens of interviews to highlight the problem, and put pressure on Network Rail to upgrade the crossings. After a successful trial, Network Rail agreed to build the more effective and cheaper barriers at open level crossings across the UK – starting in the Highlands.

As well as his level crossing campaign, Mr Thompson has been successfully working to improve a notorious stretch of the A830 ‘road to the isles’ by supporting a campaign by bereaved parents.

Mr Thompson said: “It is an honour to be named as Road Safety Parliamentarian of the Month and I will continue to do all I can to improve road safety in my constituency and across Scotland.”

Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said: “Dave has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of the Highlands, and Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch to improve road safety, and he has achieved impressive results. We congratulate Dave on his campaign successes and are delighted to present him with this award.”

For more information contact Brake on 01484 559909.