CAMPAIGNERS have issued a fresh call for a joint Scottish and UK Government taskforce to tackle issues around the A77.

The South West Scotland Transport Alliance (SWSTA) has asked ministers from both parliaments to work together to improve the trunk road.

The A77 runs down the Ayrshire coast, starting north of Kilmarnock and finishing just south of the port of Cairnryan at Stranraer.

There have been concerns for many years about the state of the route, and its impact on the safety of drivers and finances in the region. 

The SWSTA includes representatives from Stena Line, P&O Ferries and Belfast Harbour, alongside invested local campaigners.

It has now called for a taskforce to improve the A77 and its adjoining route, the A75, which runs south of Stranraer.

Liz Cameron, director and chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: "The A75 and A77 are two of Scotland’s most important roads.

"Yet they suffer from chronic under-investment which makes them dangerous, hampers economic progress and slows efforts to improve our environment.

"The need to address this is long-overdue. These are important routes to national and international markets.

"As they stand, however, they are also a material impediment obstructing plans to grow the Scottish economy and to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in rural communities."

“The A77 and A75 are vital strategic routes for Ayrshire and Scotland, supporting both our communities and businesses.

"It is evident that improvements are needed to help our region, and indeed the whole of Scotland, thrive."

Elena Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: “I welcome and support the report by the South West Scotland Transport Alliance which sets out reasonable and realistic requests that are backed by evidence.

“The need for safer, healthier, and greener communities along the routes are a key concern of my constituents. 

“We now need to take this report forward and work collaboratively to implement changes.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson cited "significant pressures" on its budget for its infrastructure, including the A77.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "We are committed to working with devolved governments to deliver on our transport priorities and ensure the economic benefits of improved connectivity are shared across the UK."