The Scottish Government wants to hear the 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 consultation includes recommendations from an independent review of the Office and Functions of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.

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

Humza Yousaf, the Transport Minister, 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.

“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.”

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