IAN Blackford has insisted there should be a code of conduct introduced for motorhome drivers in Scotland following a number of serious incidents on the North Coast 500.
The former SNP Westminster leader said he has written to Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop to suggest the plan alongside increased driving guidance for visitors.
Blackford has also suggested there should be more signs in the Highlands reminding people to drive on the left amid concern over head-on collisions.
The NC500 is now regarded as one of the most dangerous routes in the UK given its huge rise in popularity in recent years.
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Police recently issued a warning to drivers after a number of arrests were made on the 516-mile route.
Blackford posted on social media on Friday: “I have written the Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop, asking her to introduce a code of conduct for motorhome drivers and increase driving guidance for visitors amid a number of serious road incidents this summer.”
A report published this month by Robin Pettigrew, a chartered member of the Insitute of Occupational Safety and Health, on combatting overtourism, suggested a vehicle-based tax should be introduced in rural tourist spots and non-local overnight parking, particularly by vehicles adapted for sleeping in, should be banned.
The Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP also spoke to BBC Radio Scotland about the possible need for more safety signage and guidance given to people hiring motorhomes and campervans.
He said: “We need to do everything we can to keep people safe on our roads.
“There’s been a number of fatalities over the course of the last few weeks and months and nobody wants to see these things happen. It’s about the sensible measures we can take that can help stop some of that.
“I do think there are particular issues with campervans at this time. Everyone is welcome but quite often people are picking up these vehicles who are perhaps used to driving a family car and not used to driving a vehicle of that size, and I think it’s a question of dos and don’ts.
“People [need to know] what’s expected of them and it’s perhaps about reminding those in campervans to pull over and allow traffic to pass.
“Some of the things we should be doing is making it mandatory for all hire cars to have stickers on their windows about driving on the left.
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“There are some signs around the country reminding people about driving on the left. I think you do need to have that.
“This is not about signalling anybody out, people are welcome to come to the Highlands and Islands. It’s really just about improving driver behaviour.”
Blackford said he was against the idea of drivers having to take refresher courses about driving before hitting the route, which is largely made up of single-track roads.
The National reported last week that police had captured 60 vehicles in just 48 hours committing various traffic offences including speeding on the NC500.
It formed part of Operation CEDAR (Challenge, Educate, Detect and Reduce) aimed at reducing the number of deaths on Scotland’s roads.
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