Calls for Local Authorities to Manage Scotland's Trunk Routes Amidst Ongoing Roadworks Disruption

Strategic Insights -

Local councillor Angus Forbes has urged Scottish authorities to hand over management of the country's trunk routes to local authorities, arguing this would allow for better coordination of works and minimize disruption to communities. Perth and Kinross councillor Forbes cited ongoing roadworks on the A90 between Perth and Dundee as a prime example of the issues caused by fragmented management. The current project on the A90, expected to finish on October 31, has reduced the dual carriageway to a single lane and imposed a 30mph speed limit, resulting in lengthy delays.

Key Takeaways:

  • Angus Forbes, Conservative councillor for Carse of Gowrie, has called for local authorities to manage Scotland's trunk roads, arguing this would lead to better coordination of works and minimize disruption to communities.
  • The ongoing roadworks on the A90 between Perth and Dundee have caused frustration among local residents, with Forbes stating that surrounding roads are not equipped to handle the increased volume of traffic.
  • Forbes believes transferring responsibility for trunk roads to local authorities could save taxpayers money by streamlining operations and reducing costs.
  • A Transport Scotland spokesperson maintained that the management and maintenance of the trunk road network is carried out by private companies working under contracts named Network Management Contracts.
  • The Transport Scotland spokesperson outlined the comprehensive requirements of the Network Management Contracts, which include routine and cyclic maintenance, winter maintenance, and emergency response.

Statistics:

  • The ongoing roadworks on the A90 between Perth and Dundee are expected to finish on October 31.
  • The current project includes drainage improvements and the replacement of safety barriers, costing £1.2 million.
  • The A90 has been subject to near-constant major works over the past few years, including the Glencarse Bridge and Swallow Roundabout projects.
  • The current project has reduced the dual carriageway to a single lane and imposed a 30mph speed limit, resulting in lengthy delays.

Sources:

  • "Byline: KATHRYN ANDERSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER A Perth and Kinross councillor has called for local authorities to be given responsibilities for Scotland's trunk routes to "better co-ordinate works and minimise disruption"."
  • "A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "The trunk road network is one of the largest and most visible community assets for which the Scottish Government is responsible."..."
  • "The requirements of the Network Management Contracts are comprehensive and exact. "..."
  • "Transport Scotland staff manage the activities and performance of operating companies, assisted by the independent Performance Audit Group (PAG), which is employed by the Scottish Ministers to provide independent auditing of the operating companies' performance to ensure the requirements of the contract are met, work is carried out to the required technical specification, and financial valuations are correct."..."