A new poll shows more than 90 per cent of people want to see two key roads upgraded.
The South West Scotland Transport Alliance has also revealed more than three-quarters of people want the A75 and A77 improved for safety reasons.
The findings have been revealed as the alliance – which is led by Stena Line, P&O Ferries and Belfast Harbour – holds an exhibition at the Scottish Parliament highlighting the case for upgrades to MSPs.
Irish Sea trade director at Stena Line, Paul Grant, said: “Our partnership wants to make these roads safer, greener and better. This new polling shows the strength of public support behind that.
“We know that hauliers and other travellers are put off using the ports at Cairnryan because of the poor connections. That’s bad for the economy. But this is primarily a safety issue. The simple fact is that, whether riding a bike, or driving a car or truck, people are at risk on the A75 and A77 in their current state.
“We are urging the Scottish and UK Governments to continue talking and to take action - together, if need be - to secure the investment urgently and desperately needed.”
The alliance surveyed people in Dumfries and Galloway, South Ayrshire and East Ayrshire.
It revealed 93 per cent of people wanted a full or partial upgrade of the two roads. And 76 per cent wanted them for safety reasons with 61 per cent believing the current transport network puts off investment.
And nearly half of people surveyed believe the existing roads put off tourists.
The need to upgrade the A75 has been identified in both the second version of the Scottish Government’s strategic transport review and the UK Government’s UK Connectivity Review.
P&O Ferries Cairnryan port manager, Craig Rennie, said: “The polling confirms our long-held concerns that the roads in their current state are obstructing ambitious plans to grow South West Scotland’s economy, protecting jobs and supporting fragile rural communities.
“It’s also been found that lorries on the A75 and A77 emit nearly two tonnes more CO2 every day than they would on a dual-carriageway, making an uncongested road better for the environment. Inaction is costly to our climate.
“The people and businesses we speak to are less concerned about who finances or carries out the work, so long as it’s done.”
The findings have been backed by Galloway and West Dumfries MSP, Finlay Carson, who said: “It is obvious that the high level of traffic on this route, including many HGVs, is a major concern for people and communities living alongside it
“It is widely accepted that there needs to be a bypass around the communities of Crocketford and Springholm while there are also a number of other proposals to make travelling on the A75 safer.”
