There have been several accidents on the A9

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has branded the route a "killer road".

He has lodged a parliamentary question asking ministers whether dualling the stretch will be near the top of their to-do list.

The Scottish Government said it was fully committed to a plan for the dualling of the A9.

Mr Fraser said: "The Scottish Government must make it clear to road users of the A9 whether or not they see the dualling of this danger road as a priority.

"I believe that the Scottish Government must invest and dual the A9 in its entirety from Perth to Inverness.

"2008 must be the year that work starts on this killer road."

Dualling the road and junction upgrades at danger spots are vital if we are to see a reduction in accidents on the A9 Murdo Fraser MSP

The 112-mile stretch of the road between Perth and Inverness is seen as one of the most dangerous in Scotland, with scores of fatalities in recent years.

Mr Fraser said: "Motorists who use the A9 know of the dangers of this road.

"Dualling the road and junction upgrades at danger spots are vital if we are to see a reduction in accidents on the A9.

"That is why it has been extremely frustrating and disappointing that the SNP government is yet to commit to dualling the A9."

A government spokesman said: "The Scottish Government is fully committed to plan for dualling the A9.

"The transport minister, Stewart Stevenson, has already asked Transport Scotland to take forward work to identify the next part of the A9 to be dualled.

"Future investment will emerge from the Strategic Transport Projects Review, which is examining the longer-term needs of Scotland's national strategic transport network in order to develop an investment plan.