Trunk Road Network Asset Management Policy

An Effective Transport System

Our transport system is essential to supporting the Scottish Government’s purpose of creating a more successful country. As the national transport agency, Transport Scotland delivers the Government’s vision for transport, supporting goals to reduce inequalities, take climate action, deliver inclusive economic growth, and improve the health and wellbeing of our nation.

This vision is described in the National Transport Strategy (NTS2). Its delivery is enabled by the Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2) recommendations and investments.

The Trunk Road Network

Transport infrastructure is a cornerstone of the Scottish Government’s strategy for a thriving, modern Scotland. The trunk road network, with a value over £33 billion, is a critical national asset, linking cities, towns, rural areas, airports, and ports. It underpins Scotland’s economy and daily life by enabling the smooth flow of people, goods, and services.

Contributing over £1.84 billion to the economy each year, Scottish trunk roads are vital for economic growth. They also provide fair access to jobs and services and connect visitors to Scotland’s natural and cultural landmarks.

Well-maintained road assets enable the ongoing availability and operation of the network. The investment made in our network provides for essential maintenance and renewal to maintain asset condition. Roads in good condition reduce travel times and carbon emissions, aligning with environmental goals, and enhancing quality of life for nearby communities.

Commitment to Road Asset Management

By publishing this Policy and the Strategy that follows it, Transport Scotland’s leadership team is reconfirming its commitment to effective asset management in the Roads Delivery Directorate. We will align our activities to the Scottish Government’s goals and investment hierarchy. We will apply the values, policies, and priorities set out in Transport Scotland’s Corporate Plan.

We will continue to prioritise delivering what our customers need, as well as meeting all our statutory responsibilities for roads to be maintained in a safe condition.

We will plan for the long-term and co-ordinate the activities undertaken over the life cycles of our assets to deliver the best value for our customers.

We are committed to ongoing improvement of our asset management approach, aligning with international good practice. Our updated approach is set out in this Asset Management Policy and Strategy, and the accompanying Road Asset Management Plan, which provides further details on our activities.

Together, this means that the Scottish Government can deliver better outcomes for the public while ensuring long-term value from roads infrastructure investment.