Views sought on improving road works quality in Scotland

A public consultation on proposals to improve the quality of road works has been launched by the Scottish Government.

The Government aims to develop the regulation of works in Scotland, and wants to hear views on raising standards, enhancing enforcement and providing additional powers for the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: The planning and coordination of road works in Scotland is already streets ahead of the rest the UK.

We have a single register for all utility road works which covers the whole of Scotland.

We are unique in having the Scottish Road Works Commissioner to oversee the planning and coordination of road works, promote good practice, and ultimately consider enforcement action. However, despite having many strengths, we recognise there is still room for improvement.''

He added: Our expectation is that where there is an unforeseen interruption to our water, electricity, gas or broadband services, the necessary repairs will be carried out quickly, and disruption to road users will be kept to a minimum.

Our road network is an important national asset and we need to be confident that we have the right measures in place to ensure that those digging up the road, reinstate the road properly and get it right first time.''

The consultation will be open for submissions until October 12