Road Safety Framework - Operational Partnership Group (OPG) - meeting minutes - 18 June 2025
Attendance
Members
- George Henry (GH) (Chair) Transport Scotland Road Policy and Safety
- Steven Feeney (SF) Transport Scotland Road Safety Policy
- Tommy Keay (TK) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
- Michael McDonnell (MM) Transport Scotland Road Safety Scotland
- Andrew Paterson (AP) Transport Scotland Statistician
- Fred O’Hara (FO’H) Transport Scotland Road Policy
- Keith Irving (KI) Cycling Scotland
- Catherine Heeney (CH) Transport Scotland Research
- Caitlin Taylor (CT) RoSPA
- Sophie Adlington (SA) Association of British Insurers
- Stuart Wilson (SW) Transport Scotland Safety and Development
- Alan Martin (AM) Transport Scotland Sustainable & Active Travel
- Chris Thompson (CT) Living Streets Scotland
- Helene Mauchlen (HM) British Horse Society
- Andrew Barclay (AB) Police Scotland
- Stephen Bridgman (SB) Public Health Scotland
In Attendance
- Ben McKenna (BM) Transport Scotland Road Safety Policy
- Hannah Wood (HW) Transport Scotland Road Safety Policy
- Kieren Green (KG) Transport Scotland Road Safety Policy
- Stevie Reid (SR) Police Scotland
- Chris Thompson (CT) Living Streets Scotland
- Helene Mauchlen (HM) British Horse Society
- Andrew Barclay (AB) Police Scotland
- Stephen Bridgman (SB) Public Health Scotland
Secretariat
- Hannah Green (HG) Transport Scotland Road Safety Policy
Apologies
- Timothy Hooper (TH) Scottish Trauma Network
- Caroline Brearley (CB) Scottish Ambulance Service
- Ryan Gilbert (RG) Transport Scotland Comms
- Fay McNicol (FM) Scottish Ambulance Service
- Stewart Mackie (SM) IAM RoadSmart
- Lynne Mason (LM) Road Haulage Association
- Nina Day (ND) Health and Safety Executive
- Alistair Ross (AR) Association of British Insurers
- Ewan Wallace (EW) SCOTS
- Michelle Van der stighelen (MV) Transport Scotland Safety Camera Programme
Welcome and Introductions
The Chair welcomed the OPG members to the meeting and proceeded with a round table introduction.
Previous Minutes and Actions
The minutes of the previous meeting on 12 March 2025 were agreed as an accurate record of discussion and have been published on the Transport Scotland website. Most actions from the previous meeting were complete, however five outstanding asks are;
Public Health Scotland to supply an overview of funding proposal to gather A&E data.
Owner: Stephen Bridgman
Status: Ongoing
Update: PHS submitted a paper to the SPB, which members reviewed and approved in principle for a one-year period, with the intention of considering continued funding through to 2030.
Road Safety Scotland and Public Health Scotland to engage to discuss quadbike safety.
Owner: Michael McDonnell/ Stephen Bridgman/ Caroline Hay
Status: Ongoing
Update: Caroline Hay and Stephen Bridgman are coordinating to arrange a suitable time to discuss quadbike safety.
Secretariat to update risk register e-scooter risk and circulate to members.
Owner: Secretariat
Status: Ongoing
Update: Update was given under the Risk Register section.
Road Safety Policy to share Police Scotland memorandum of understanding with Public Health Scotland
Owner: Secretariat
Status: Ongoing
Update: This will be provided in due course.
To set a meeting to discuss exemptions and Living Streets findings.
Owner: Fred O’Hara / Chris Thompson
Status: Ongoing
Update: An initial meeting has taken place, and Living Streets are currently compiling examples of parking exemptions from across Scotland.
Once approved, the motorcycle road traffic fatality report to be shared with members.
Owner: Secretariat
Status: Ongoing
Update: This report will be shared with members as soon as the final version is published.
Road Safety Policy Update
Strategic Partnership Board (SPB)
The SPB met on 11th June 2025, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport. The meeting focused on the urgent need to address Scotland’s road safety challenges, particularly in light of rising fatalities and the missed casualty reduction targets.
The mid-term review of the road safety framework was discussed, with an emphasis on readiness and the need for honest reflection and strategic alignment. The Cabinet Secretary encouraged partners to consider what actions could be taken immediately, even before the review is completed.
SPB Action: OPG to consider what actions could be taken immediately, before the completion of the mid-term review.
Mid-term Review
A mid-term review will be conducted into the RSF2030. This will review safety performance indicators, road safety delivery and monitoring of delivery and successes of high performing countries. Procurement of a consultant to lead this work is in the final stages.
Action: All members to consider any barriers, gaps or opportunities to explore in terms of their own organisations road safety delivery and provide an update to TS Road Safety Policy.
Action: Once the scope of the mid-term review is agreed Road Safety Policy will share the details of the brief and proposed timings with members.
LPFs / Key Priority Groups
The Chair advised that the LPFs will meet in the coming weeks and provided an update on each of the Key Priority Groups. Noting the following;
Motorcycle Focus Group:
Discussions focused on progressing the eight recommendations from the 2015–2020 In-Depth Road Traffic Fatalities Report. A motorcycle safety communications plan is also being drafted.
Age Group:
Next meeting scheduled for 1 July 2025. Invitations have been issued, and Age Scotland has expressed interest in joining.
Vulnerable Road User Group:
Next meeting date is to be confirmed, with an expectation to meet by the end of August.
Driver Behaviour & Enforcement Group:
Expected to reconvene in the coming weeks.
All the Key Priority Groups will meet quarterly and in person. Formal minutes will be recorded only for OPG and SPB meetings. Other groups will maintain up-to-date action logs instead of formal minutes.
Action: Road Safety Policy to share all the terms of reference of all Key priority groups with PHS and Stephen to identify suitable PHS rep.
Road Safety Funding
This year a record £48m has been invested in road safety, a 33% increase on the previous year. The Chair advised that final sign off on the budget is expected in the coming weeks.
Road Safety Improvement Fund
As part of the record level investment, £12.25m has being allocated to the Road Safety Improvement Fund in the 2025/26. Allocation letters have been issued and local authorities have been asked to begin investigating and designing their schemes.
Road Safety Framework Fund
The Chair thanked members for their time and effort in reviewing the applications received through the Road Safety Framework Fund. Applications still require final approval from the SPB and grant offer letters for successful applications will be prepared and issued once final budget spend approval is received.
The group asked if the Cabinet Secretary was aware of the delays caused by the AO process in relation to funding and delivery. It advised that this is a SG wide process and that the Cabinet Secretary is aware and every effort is being made to mitigate the associated issues as effectively as possible to minimise delays.
Knowledge, Data and Training
2024 – Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics
Andrew Paterson delivered a presentation on the 2024 – Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics.
Overall key findings:
- The number killed on Scotland’s roads rose from 147 in 2023 to 160 in 2024.
- Serious casualties fell by 1%
- Slight casualties fell by 7%
- Total casualties fell by 4%
Mode specific findings:
- Active travel fatalities decreased
- Pedestrian fatalities down (from 47 to 41)
- Cyclist fatalities down (from 7 to 3)
- Car fatalities increased from 57 to 74
- Motorcyclist fatalities up from 27 to 31
Car Fatalities:
- 23% (17) were not wearing a seatbelt
- 69% happened at 60 mph speed limit
- 65% of car fatalities were drivers (90% in 2023), and 35% were passengers
Further information can be found via the link: Key Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2024 | Transport Scotland
Chair invited members to discuss the 2024 Key Reported Road Casualty Statistics.
Points raised during the discussion:
- The revision to the number of fatalities, can cause analysis and communications problems. Processes are now in place to help mitigate issues raised in previous years.
- Geographical mapping is done and shared with local authorities through the LPFs, and Police Scotland also share location information with local authorities.
- One intermediate measure calculates the rate of cyclist KSIs (Killed or Seriously Injured) per mile travelled. Last year, this rate increased due to a decline in overall cycling activity.
- Integrating health data into existing datasets would significantly enhance understanding of broader issues and help identify additional preventative measures.
Action: Ben McKenna to share geographical mapping information with Alan Martin and Andrew Barclay which is used in relation to the Road Safety Improvement Fund.
Action: Andrew Paterson to share motorcycle and counterpart analysis with Stephen Bridgman
Action: Andrew Paterson to discuss cycling data with Keith Irving.
2025 – Police Management Information Data
An update was provided by Police Scotland on the latest management information data for 2025 (from 1st April), noting that Police Scotland continues to monitor the analytical data.
Police Scotland Campaign Calendar Update:
Previous Campaigns:
- Pedestrian Campaign
- Older Driver Campaign
- Speed Campaign
Ongoing Campaign / Focus Areas:
- Motorcycle Safety Campaign – ongoing
- Driver Engagement North – ongoing
- Continued collaboration with IAM RoadSmart on - Rider Refinement and Younger Driver Intervention Scheme.
- Ongoing emphasis on Operation Close Pass
Upcoming Campaigns / Focus Areas:
- Operation Spotlight to begin in July
- National Drunk Driving Week – August
- Younger Driver Fatal Five Campaign – Late September to Early October
SW provided an update on trunk road collision and fatality data.
Chair will be meeting with SCOT Executive Group in the coming weeks, with an emphasis on collision and fatality data.
Action: Police Scotland to begin providing fatality data aligned with both the calendar and fiscal year at future OPG meetings.
In-Depth Roads Fatalities Study
Stephen Reid from Police Scotland delivered a presentation on the In-Depth Roads Fatalities Study covering the period from 1st January 2015 to 31st May 2024.
Chair invited members to discuss the In-Depth Roads Fatalities Study.
Areas of analysis suggested by members:
- In relation to the seasonal comparative, the weather aspect will be looked at.
- Pedestrians crossing the road – review speed of traffic and whether they are crossing on the red / green man also pedestrians crossing between queuing traffic.
- Drug and alcohol data for pedestrians and cyclists alongside time periods.
- The historical phasing of lights and the impact.
Action: Road Safety Policy to link the TS Met Office contact with Stephen Reid to enable the sharing of weather data.
Action: Road Safety Policy will share relevant local authority contact details with Stephen Reid to facilitate a review of pedestrian crossing data before and after implementation.
Delivery, Monitoring and Communications
2024 – 2025 Deliverables
Of the 58 deliverables for 2024/25, 27 have been fully completed. Twenty-eight long-term deliverables are ongoing and currently on track. Two deliverables have not fully met their 2024–2025 targets but remain ongoing for 2025-2026. One deliverable has been formally removed with the approval of the SPB.
Deliverable 24/39 Update:
SFRS plans to pilot a single event in the Highlands area to better understand the demand, which will help inform the planning of future events.
Chair informed members there will be a meeting held to discuss the coordination of events at a national level between Transport Scotland, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Deliverable 24/42 Update:
The Henry the horse programme is currently being redeveloped and modernised by the newly appointed manager; it will be rolled out using our safety volunteers. No time scale is given for this.
Action: Police Scotland to provide an outline on the HMICS recommendations and the corresponding actions being taken to address the recommendations at the next meeting.
2025 – 2026 Delivery Plan
In addition to the 30 ongoing deliverables carried over from 2024/25, a further 30 new deliverables are being progressed in 2025/26 Delivery Plan.
TS TRCRT:
Implementation of 20s – 75 locations will see a 20 mph speed limit implemented, over 30 locations have a temporary or permanent road order.
PRIMES – The toolkit has now been published and shared with local authorities.
Safety Cameras – Aiming to trail driver distraction and seatbelt technology in the coming months and continue to work alongside Police Scotland safety camera units.
Road Safety Scotland:
Continuing with campaign works alongside Scottish Government marketing team.
Finalising the new secondary school resources which will be launched at the end of the year.
Continuing the Child in Car Safety Programme – working alongside Police Scotland for onsite events to check and correct ill fitted car seats. Also funding accredited training to enable others (such as SFRS and those within car seat retail) to run child car seat checking events.
TS Road Safety Policy:
Continuing to support local authorities in the implementation of 20 mph speed limits.
TS Road Policy:
Graduated Driving Licencing – scoping work is underway and further discussions with DfT are required.
Direct Vision – discussions with DfT are required and the team will also explore international examples.
Fitness to Drive – Within the initial stages.
Pavement Parking Ban – 85% of Scotland is now covered by local authorities actively ticketing, working with SCOTS and COSLA for the remaining 15%. Compliance has been higher than expected and appeals are very low.
Road Traffic Diversionary Courses (RTDC) – Working alongside home office, TSLA and Police Scotland to further this work.
Police Scotland:
Three operational groups have been established for RTDC, Distracted Driver Technology, and Journey Cam, with monthly progress updates regarding delivery.
Scottish Fire Rescue Services:
Significant work is underway in the area of education, linking with the NFCC to explore the adoption of successful programmes from other parts of the UK.
Public Health Scotland:
The PHS paper has received SPB approval for a one-year period and will be evaluated before any decision is made regarding funding for the full duration of the framework.
Cycling Scotland:
The main focus remains on delivering cycle training through Bikeability for schools, as well as providing training for adults and fleet drivers. Additionally, funding has been successfully secured from the Transport Scotland Active Travel team to support these initiatives.
RoSPA:
Members to note the departure of Karen McDonnell from RoSPA.
The Q3 report has been submitted, and the project has now entered its final quarter. A new funding application has also been submitted. Since the last OPG meeting, the Driving and Riding for Work Summit was successfully held at COSLA, with outcomes published online. All webinars for the year have been completed, exceeding attendance targets, and an e-book covering a wide range of road safety topics has been released.
Looking ahead, a research paper on supporting mature drivers in the workforce will soon be shared with the Age Priority Group. Work is also underway to develop case studies with members, and a report on occupational road fatalities will be circulated to all members before the next meeting. A written piece on alcohol and occupational road risk is in development, highlighting data gaps and the need for proactive measures. The Driver Health Matters Seminar is scheduled for 19 August in Edinburgh, co-hosted with City of Edinburgh Council. Additionally, a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary is planned to discuss distracted driving and the management of occupational road risk.
A current challenge involves low participation in a research project aimed at understanding how local authorities manage road risk internally. Despite outreach through Transport Scotland, Research Scotland, and ScORSA contacts, uptake has been limited. To address this, the team will speak at upcoming Local Partnership Forums, with the final opportunity for participation set for 11 July.
The Chair asked that the groups thanks be passed on to Karen McDonnell for all her work and participation over the years.
ABI:
Continuing to release the quarterly premiums and claims trackers, for the first quarter premiums are down and claims costs are increasing however the frequency is reducing.
Have recently met with Norther Ireland officials regarding Graduated Driver Licensing.
Recently updated the salvage code of practice.
BHS:
Have been in attendance at the Royal Highland Show, working alongside SFRS and the British Association of Animal Transport.
On the 19 June BHS will be providing a new trailer to SFRS for training purposes.
Action: RSS to link with PHS in relation to child car seat information and education provided to midwives and health visitors.
Action: Secretariat to organise a 1-2-1 between Caitlin Taylor and George Henry on road risk.
National Speed Management Review
An update was provided on the National Speed Management Review. Noting that the consultation which closed in March received more than 19,500 responses.
Responses have been analysed and shared within TS. A report is currently being drafted for ministerial decision, which will be communicated to members in due course.
Risk Register
The risk register was discussed and e-scooters highlighted. The DfT Trail was noted with the following being recorded:
- DfT Evaluation: The Department for Transport has commissioned a second evaluation of e-scooter trials, focusing more deeply on mode shift, safety, accessibility, and parking. Findings are pending. Trials have been extended to March 2026, with future plans yet to be confirmed.
- Scottish Government Plans: A public consultation on e-scooter use in Scotland is planned for late summer to assess public interest and policy direction.
- CoMoUK Report: The latest Annual Shared Micromobility Report includes e-scooters for the first time, highlighting continued growth in the sector.
Members expressed interest in the availability of additional Safe System training opportunities.
Action: Road Safety Policy to review and update the Risk Register and share with members alongside the minutes of the meeting.
Action: Members to review the updated Risk Register and provide further updates and comments.
Communications Handling Plan
Written update was provided within the papers ahead of the meeting.
AOB & Next Meeting
Action: Secretariat to review the remaining meeting dates and locations for the year and issue invitations accordingly.
Date of next meeting is yet to be confirmed.