Local Authority Activity

Transport Scotland is responsible for the management and maintenance of the strategic trunk road network, including motorways, which is delivered through our operating company contracts. The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 places the statutory responsibility for local roads improvement, maintenance and repair with LAs. The SG is committed to working with all LAs to help improve the condition and safety of the road network. This is carried out through the Road Collaboration Programme, which is jointly funded between national and local government.

In addition, Section 39 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 places a statutory duty on LAs to promote road safety and take steps to both reduce and prevent accidents. In this respect, it is for each LA to consider appropriate measures which will safeguard road users and residents on their roads, and to determine the priority that should be given to any road safety measures. Therefore, it is not for Scottish Ministers to intervene in their day-to-day performance of these particular duties. Outlined below are examples provided by a number of LAs on their road safety activity.

North Ayrshire Council

As part of North Ayrshire Council’s (NAC) road safety input, NAC has been involved in motorcycle training. NAC has developed and run Slo-Mo sessions in partnership with PS and RoSPA at Greenwood Conference Centre in Dreghorn. This initiative provides rider development in slow and restricted areas, covering balance, braking and manoeuvrability skills.

Feedback has been excellent, with the riders confidence in slow speed rider greatly increased. Although separate, this is another strand to Scottish Biker Magazine
(see page 33). This initiative will continue in 2018 and be expanded.

North East Scotland

In the North East of Scotland, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils – along with key partners – are working with a refreshed, joint local road casualty reduction strategy, focussing their attention on the national PFAs and achievement of the 2020 casualty reduction targets. Initial actions have included the establishment of a dedicated “RoadSafetyNES” Twitter account, making best use of previous years’ casualty data to anticipate and react to local trends, as well as working with partners on local initiatives to support casualty reduction in cyclists and motorcyclists.

Scottish Borders Council

Skill for life Advanced driving course for young drivers – Over 100 young drivers have now completed the course. In a post survey evaluation, 99% said the course improved their driving, 66% believed it helped them avoid a crash, and 90% stated that the course gave them greater awareness of other road users.
Under 17’s Driving days at Charterhall airfield – 450 young people have now attended and benefitted from this course. In addition, there has been a great deal of positive publicity.
“Biker Down” motorbike first aid training – Scottish Fire and Rescue Services are piloting this in Edinburgh and it is hoped to replicate the training in the Borders. Biker Down was present at the Steve Hislop memorial day. A spin-off initiative is taking place in Peebles High School and it is hoped that this will be rolled out into the school curriculum.
Drivewise Borders Over 65’s (Formerly Borders Driver Gold) – This Scheme has now been rolled out across the Borders. Since April 2017, 95 older drivers have attended. Feedback from attendees and driving instructors carrying out the refresher drives has been very positive.
Driving theory 4 U – Scottish Borders Council is supporting this scheme run by local Hawick ADI association. This involves a free theory lesson for new learner drivers, with 69 learner drivers having already attended course. Initial feedback very positive. There was an 87% first time pass rate for the theory test compared to local average of 51%.