The number of deaths on the A9 between Dunblane and Inverness has fallen by almost half since average speed cameras were installed.

Since the devices were put on place on the route in October 2014, which is the country's longest trunk road, road safety data shows annual road deaths have declined by 49%.

The overall number of all types of casualties has fallen by more than a quarter (28%) while the amount of drivers caught speeding has shrunk by two-thirds (66%).

The A9 safety group was created by Transport Scotland in 2012 to "positively influence driver behaviour" to reduce road casualties.

Transport officials also introduced a higher speed limit of 50mph for HGVs at the same time as the installation of average speed cameras on the route.

The road safety figures cover October 2014 until September 2017.

SNP MSP Kate Forbes said: "The A9's ever improving safety record is really reassuring news for the thousands of drivers that use Scotland's longest trunk road every day.

"In the 35 months reviewed since the average speed cameras went live, there has been a sustained improvement in driver behaviour and a corresponding fall in collisions and casualties - with 49% fewer fatalities, and an annual average reduction of over 66% in the numbers caught speeding.

"These improvements are really encouraging, however every road death is one too many and the SNP remains steadfastly committed to reducing casualty numbers further."