A consultation is underway on how road works are regulated in Scotland.

Interested parties are invited to submit their views on proposals to raise standards and improve the quality of road works, enhance enforcement and provide additional powers for the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.

The discussions includes includes recommendations from Jim Barton's independent review in 2016 of the Office and Functions of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said despite having many strengths, there is "still room for improvement" concerning Scotland's road works.

"The planning and coordination of road works in Scotland, is already streets ahead of the rest the UK," he said.

"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.


"Road works are often where our busy lives intersect with our reliance on utility services. 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.

"We have worked closely with key stakeholders including Angus Carmichael the current Scottish Road Works Commissioner, to develop these proposals and I would like to thank Angus, those representing road authorities and utility companies for their input."

Angus Carmichael, the Scottish Road Works Commissioner, added: "This process provides a rare opportunity for the road works community to help further improve the regulatory framework and ultimately the management of road works across Scotland."

Members of the public will be able to access the consultation via the Transport Scotland website until 12 October.

To view the consultation, visit here.

(LM/MH)