Logistics UK calls for A75 dual carriageway upgrade

John Cooper MP with Logistics UK’s Alexandra Herdman

Logistics UK has called for south-west Scotland’s A75 to be upgraded to a continuous dual carriageway, complete with truck stops where HGV drivers can rest.

The business group says the upgrade would improve connectivity between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, thereby driving economic growth and delivering road safety benefits.

The call for action has been echoed by Dumfries & Galloway MP John Cooper, following a meeting with Logistics UK policy lead for Scotland, Alexandra Herdman, at which the logistics sector’s £7.8 billion contribution to Scotland’s economy was discussed.

“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,” said Ms Herdman.

“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.”

Logistics UK argues that dual carriageways can bring additional safety as well as faster and more predictable journeys, since the physical separation between opposing traffic flows cuts the risk of head-on collisions. They are also said to reduce frustration for passenger car drivers following slower vehicles like HGVs, making them less likely to attempt dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.

Meanwhile, the provision of high-quality truck stops along the route would ensure lorry drivers had sufficient places to rest, said Ms Herdman.

“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,” she 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.”

John Cooper MP commented: “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.”