Two HGVs overturn in two nights as freight operators warn of risk to life – despite Scottish Government knowing about dangerous diversions for years
The Scottish Government is facing urgent demands to suspend a dangerous 30-mile overnight diversion on the A75 after two serious accidents involving overturned heavy goods vehicles in just two nights.
Graham Simpson MSP has called for immediate intervention by the Transport Secretary before tonight’s road closure, warning that ministers have known about the dangers of unsuitable diversions on the A75 and A77 for years.
The diversion, introduced on Monday evening to accommodate resurfacing works west of Kirkcowan, directs heavy freight traffic along narrow rural roads between 7pm and 6am.
According to Manfreight Ltd, a major freight operator serving Northern Ireland, around 1,000 HGVs use the affected route each night, making it one of the busiest periods for freight movements through the ferry ports at Cairnryan.
The 30-mile diversion uses two B-class roads to connect sections of the A-road network, despite serious concerns about their suitability for modern heavy goods vehicles.
Liam McFerran, General Manager of Manfreight Ltd, said: “These roads are not suitable for these vehicles; the diversions cannot continue in hours of darkness.” He added: “It’s a shocking choice of a diversion route.”
Manfreight says the roads were designed for loads of around 30 tonnes, compared with the 44-tonne HGVs operating today.
The company reports that vehicles up to 4.67 metres high are encountering overhanging branches, while narrow carriageways are forcing drivers onto grass verges that are becoming increasingly soft, damaged and unstable.
At some locations, large vehicles travelling in opposite directions cannot safely pass, creating dangerous conditions and potentially blocking access for emergency services.
There are particular concerns about the ability of ambulances to reach Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary if the diversion becomes obstructed.
Chris Slowey, Managing Director of Manfreight, said: “The roads have been closed for two nights, there have been two serious accidents. This is a risk to life. Something needs to be done to bring an end to this and find a solution.”
MINISTERS HAVE KNOWN ABOUT DIVERSION DANGERS FOR YEARS
The Scottish Government has previously acknowledged concerns about the suitability and safety of diversion routes on the A75 and A77.
In April 2025, then Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop told the Scottish Parliament that Amey was reviewing diversion arrangements alongside Police Scotland.
More than 18 months later, serious questions remain about what that review concluded, what improvements were made and whether its findings were taken into account when approving the current Kirkcowan diversion.
The Scottish Government has also previously stated that standard trunk-road diversion routes are agreed with Police Scotland, trunk-road operating companies and relevant local authorities, and are considered suitable for the normal volumes and classes of vehicles using the network.
Yet Manfreight says it has not seen, or been made aware of, any risk assessment demonstrating that the current diversion can safely accommodate the weight, height and volume of heavy goods vehicles using it.
The company believes that a comprehensive assessment of road widths, passing arrangements, vehicle weights, overhanging trees, road surfaces and night-time conditions would expose serious safety concerns.
Manfreight has also highlighted confusion over responsibility for the diversion.
Liam McFerran said: “Police in Stranraer says this is a Council issue. The council says it’s an Amey issue.”
In a written response, Amey’s press office said the diversion route has been agreed with the emergency services and local authorities among other stakeholders – as yet unspecified.
Manfreight says drivers have raised serious concerns about their personal safety and welfare, alongside potential damage to vehicles and cargo and insurance implications.
The A75 is a vital freight corridor connecting Great Britain with Northern Ireland through Cairnryan, carrying essential supplies including end-of-life medication and goods destined for supermarket shelves.
‘THIS IS A FORESEEABLE DANGER’
Graham Simpson MSP said: “Two overturned lorries in two nights. How many more accidents will it take before the Scottish Government acts? “What makes this particularly shocking is that ministers have known about the dangers of these diversions for years.
“In April 2025, the Transport Secretary confirmed that Amey and Police Scotland were reviewing diversion arrangements. Eighteen months later, we are still seeing heavy lorries directed onto narrow rural roads in the middle of the night.
“The Scottish Government has previously stated that diversion routes are assessed and agreed with Police Scotland, road operators and local authorities to ensure they are suitable for the traffic using them.
“So where is the risk assessment for this diversion? Who signed it off? And how could anyone conclude that these roads were safe for hundreds of 44-tonne lorries?”
“This is a foreseeable danger, not an unforeseen problem. The Government was already aware of the wider risks, yet drivers and local communities are now facing the consequences.
“We are talking about drivers transporting vital supplies between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, being forced onto roads that a major freight operator says are simply not fit for purpose.
“There are also serious questions about who is taking responsibility. Police Scotland, the council and the road operator cannot simply pass the buck while drivers are being put at risk.
“The Transport Secretary must intervene immediately, suspend tonight’s diversion and establish a safe alternative before somebody is killed.”