Part 2Road works
The Scottish Road Works Commissioner
16Creation, appointment, status and funding of Scottish Road Works Commissioner
(1)
There is, by this Act, created an office, the holder of which is to be known as the Scottish Road Works Commissioner (in this Part, “the Commissioner”).
(2)
The Commissioner shall be appointed, on such terms and conditions as they determine, by the Scottish Ministers.
(3)
Those terms and conditions may include arrangements relating to the payment of pensions, allowances or gratuities to, or in respect of, persons who have ceased to hold office as the Commissioner.
(4)
The Commissioner is not a servant or agent of the Crown and has no status, immunity or privilege of the Crown.
F1(4A)
The Commissioner is, as such, to be regarded as a juristic person distinct from the individual for the time being holding the office.
(5)
The Scottish Ministers may make grants to the Commissioner in respect of the Commissioner's expenses.
17Functions of Commissioner
(1)
The Commissioner has the general functions of—
(a)
monitoring the carrying out of works in roads in Scotland;
(b)
promoting compliance with the 1991 Act and obligations imposed under it; and
(c)
promoting the pursuit of good practice by those persons who have functions conferred on or permissions granted to them by or under that Act,
as well as the particular functions conferred upon the Commissioner by or under that or this Act.
(2)
In subsection (1) above, “works in roads” includes road works within the meaning given by section 107(3) of the 1991 Act, works for roads purposes within the meaning given by subsection (2) of section 145 of that Act and major works for roads purposes within the meaning given by subsection (3) of that section.
(3)
The Commissioner may, for the purposes of the discharge of the general functions referred to in paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (1) above, assess whether the persons referred to in subsection (1)(c) above are complying with the 1991 Act and any obligations imposed on them under it and are following good practice.
(4)
In this section “good practice” means compliance with—
(a)
any code of practice issued or approved under the 1991 Act or any direction issued under that Act; and
(b)
subject to such codes and directions, such practice in the doing by the persons referred to in subsection (1)(c) above of what they must or may do by or under the 1991 Act as appears to the Commissioner to be desirable.
(5)
Schedule 2 provides further as to the Commissioner.
(6)
The Commissioner may do anything calculated to facilitate the discharge of any of the Commissioner's functions.
18Duty of road works authority and undertakers to provide Commissioner with information
(1)
A road works authority or an undertaker shall, on being required to do so by the Commissioner, provide the Commissioner with such information relevant to their respective functions and activities as the Commissioner reasonably asks for for the purposes of the performance of the Commissioner's functions.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1) above, information is relevant to functions or activities if it is information which the authority or undertaker possesses or can reasonably be expected to acquire.
(3)
Where—
(a)
a road works authority or an undertaker; and
(b)
the Commissioner,
do not agree as to whether information asked for by the Commissioner in pursuance of subsection (1) above is reasonably asked for, the matter shall be settled in such manner as may be prescribed by the Scottish Ministers by regulations.
(4)
Where regulations under subsection (3) above prescribe that a matter is to be settled by arbitration, section 158 of the 1991 Act shall apply in relation to that matter as that section applies in relation to a matter which, under Part 4 of that Act, is to be so settled.
F218APower to carry out inspections
(1)
The Commissioner or an inspector (“the authorised person”) may—
(a)
enter any premises of the type mentioned in subsection (3) and inspect it and anything in it,
(b)
require the production of any information relating to the fulfilment of specified functions or obligations, and specify the form in which the information is to be produced,
(c)
take copies of, or take possession of, information (in whatever form) which relates to the fulfilment of specified functions or obligations and retain it for as long as the authorised person reasonably considers necessary,
(d)
carry out an examination of, and conduct tests on, any equipment used or to be used in fulfilling specified functions or obligations by—
(i)
an undertaker,
(ii)
a road works authority, or
(iii)
a roads authority,
(e)
require any person to provide the authorised person with such facilities and assistance as the authorised person reasonably considers necessary.
(2)
The powers in subsection (1) may be exercised only for the purposes of—
(a)
establishing whether an offence has been committed under the 1991 Act,
(b)
establishing whether a duty under section 118 or 119 of the 1991 Act has been breached, or
(c)
establishing whether a duty under section 60(3A) or 61B of the 1984 Act has been breached.
(3)
The premises referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—
(a)
any premises (other than any premises that is used as a dwelling) occupied or used by any of the following persons for the purposes of exercising their functions as—
(i)
an undertaker,
(ii)
a road works authority, or
(iii)
a roads authority, or
(b)
any land on which works in roads are being carried out.
(4)
For the purposes of this section—
(a)
an “inspector” means a member of staff—
(i)
appointed under paragraph 1(1) of schedule 2, and
(ii)
designated by the Scottish Ministers as an inspector for the purpose of this section,
(b)
a “specified function or obligation” means—
(i)
any function or obligation under the 1991 Act, or
(ii)
any function or obligation under the 1984 Act so far as it relates to works in roads.
18BInspections: warrants
(1)
This section applies to the powers conferred by section 18A(1).
(2)
A sheriff may grant a warrant under this subsection only if the sheriff is satisfied, by evidence on oath—
(a)
that there are reasonable grounds for entering premises—
(i)
for a purpose specified in section 18A(2), and
(ii)
of a type mentioned in section 18A(3)(a), and
(b)
that—
(i)
entry to the premises has been refused,
(ii)
such a refusal is reasonably expected,
(iii)
the premises are unoccupied, or
(iv)
the occupier is temporarily absent.
(3)
A warrant authorises an authorised person—
(a)
to enter the premises,
(b)
to exercise any other power conferred by section 18A(1), and
(c)
if necessary, to use reasonable force in doing so.
(4)
A warrant expires—
(a)
28 days after the day on which the warrant was granted, or
(b)
if earlier, when any period as is specified in it for the purpose for which it was granted expires.
18CInspections: further provision
(1)
This section applies to the powers conferred by section 18A(1) (whether exercised by virtue of that section or under a warrant granted under section 18B).
(2)
The power of entry may be exercised only at a reasonable time of day.
(3)
An authorised person seeking to exercise a power must, on request, produce evidence of the person's identity and authorisation before exercising the power.
(4)
An authorised person may take onto the premises such other persons, and such materials and equipment, as the authorised person considers necessary.
(5)
If an authorised person enters the premises by virtue of a warrant, the authorised person must, if taking possession of anything under section 18A(1)(c), leave a statement on the premises giving particulars of what has been taken and by whom.
(6)
On leaving any premises which an authorised person is authorised to enter under a warrant, the person must, if the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is temporarily absent, leave the premises as effectively secured against entry as the authorised person found them.
18DOffence of obstructing inspections
(1)
A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)
without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a requirement of an authorised person, or
(b)
intentionally obstructs an authorised person in the exercise of a power conferred by section 18A(1) or by virtue of section 18F.
(2)
A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable—
(a)
on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum,
(b)
on conviction on indictment, to a fine.
18ELiability of authorised persons
(1)
An authorised person does not incur any civil or criminal liability for anything done or omitted to be done in the exercise or purported exercise of a power conferred by section 18A(1) or by virtue of section 18F.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply where it is proved that—
(a)
the authorised person acted in bad faith,
(b)
the authorised person failed to exercise a reasonable degree of care and skill, or
(c)
the authorised person did not act on reasonable grounds.
(3)
For the purpose of subsection (1), no regard is to be had to any defect in the appointment of an authorised person.
(4)
Subsection (1) does not affect any liability of any other person in respect of things done or omitted to be done by the authorised person.
18FPower to make regulations about inspections
(1)
The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about the functions of authorised persons in relation to inspections.
(2)
Regulations under subsection (1) may, in particular, make provision—
(a)
conferring powers on an authorised person,
(b)
specifying requirements with which an authorised person must comply.
The Scottish Road Works Register
19The Scottish Road Works Register
(1)
“112AThe Scottish Road Works Register
(1)
The Scottish Road Works Commissioner (in this Part, “the Commissioner”) shall keep a register, to be known as the Scottish Road Works Register (in this Part, “the SRWR”).
(2)
The SRWR shall be kept in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
(3)
The Commissioner shall make arrangements so as to enable any person who is required, by a provision of this Act, to enter particulars, information or a notice in the SRWR, to have access to the SRWR for that purpose.
(4)
The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—
(a)
provide that the payment to the Commissioner of the prescribed fee is a condition of access to the SRWR as mentioned in subsection (3) (and different fees may be prescribed for access for different purposes), and
(b)
make other provision as to the payment to the Commissioner by such persons as are prescribed of such amounts as are prescribed.
(5)
Amounts received by the Commissioner under subsection (4) are to be applied by the Commissioner to the keeping of the SRWR.
(6)
The Commissioner shall make the SRWR available, at all reasonable times and free of charge, for inspection—
(a)
so far as it relates to restricted information, by any person having authority to execute works of any description in the road in respect of which that restricted information is kept in the SRWR or who, not being a person having that authority, nevertheless appears to the Commissioner to have a sufficient interest in that information,
(b)
so far as it relates to information which is not restricted, by any person.
(7)
In subsection (6), “restricted” information is information of a prescribed description.
112BDuty to enter certain information in the Scottish Road Works Register
(1)
A road works authority shall enter in the SRWR such particulars of each road for which the authority are responsible as may be prescribed.
(2)
A road works authority proposing to execute works in any such road shall, not later than such time before the date proposed for the start of the works as may be prescribed, enter in the SRWR such information relating to that matter (including such information about the start of the works) as may be prescribed.
(3)
A road works authority which has—
(a)
under section 109, granted permission as regards apparatus and works,
(b)
under section 115, given directions as to the timing of works, or
(c)
under section 115A, given directions as to the placing of apparatus,
shall enter in the SRWR such information relating to that matter as may be prescribed.
(4)
A local roads authority proposing to execute works in roads in pursuance of section 1 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 54) (management and maintenance of certain public roads) shall enter in the SRWR such information relating to that matter as may be prescribed.
(5)
If the Scottish Ministers (as roads authority) propose to execute works in roads under section 2 of that Act (management and maintenance of trunk, special and certain other public roads) they shall enter in the SRWR such information relating to that matter as may be prescribed.
(6)
On the completion of works of the kind referred to in subsection (4) or (5) the roads authority which executed them shall enter in the SRWR such information about their completion as may be prescribed.
(7)
A roads authority which has—
(a)
under subsection (2) of section 56 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 54), given an applicant for consent for road works or excavations notice of affected statutory undertakers,
(b)
under subsection (8) of that section, given notification of unlawful works removed or unlawful excavations filled in,
(c)
under section 58(1) of that Act, given permission for the occupation of part of a road for the deposit of materials or for the erection of staging or scaffolding projecting over part of a road,
(d)
under section 61(1) of that Act, given permission for the placing, leaving, retention, maintenance, repair or reinstatement of apparatus in or under a road or the breaking open of or having access to the road,
(e)
under section 85 of that Act, given permission for the deposit of a skip on a road for which a road works authority are responsible,
(f)
under subsection (2) of section 86 of that Act, required the removal or repositioning of a skip deposited on such a road or removed or repositioned such a skip,
(g)
become aware that a constable has, under subsection (1) of that section, required or caused the removal or repositioning of such a skip,
(h)
given notice under—
(i)
section 87 of that Act requiring the removal of a structure from a road for which a road works authority are responsible and (where considered requisite under that section) the reinstatement of the road, or
(ii)
section 88 of that Act requiring the removal or alteration of a projection affecting such a road,
(i)
under section 90 of that Act, given consent for the fixing or placing of an overhead bridge, beam, rail or other apparatus along or across such a road,
(j)
under section 91 of that Act, served notice requiring work to be done or carried out work in relation to such a road, or
(k)
under section 92 of that Act, given consent to the planting of a tree or shrub near a carriageway or required its removal, where the carriageway is, or is part of, such a road,
shall enter in the SRWR such information relating to that matter as may be prescribed.
(8)
Information to be entered in the SRWR under this section shall be entered in such form and manner as may be prescribed.”.
(2)
In section 108(2) of the 1991 Act (roads authority to be regarded in certain circumstances as road works authority for purposes including those of section 112 of the Act) for “112” there is substituted “
112B (duty to enter certain information in Scottish Road Works Register)
”
.
(3)
In section 113 of the 1991 Act (giving of advance notice of certain road works)—
(a)
in subsection (1) “to the road works authority” is repealed; and
(b)
“(3A)
For the purposes of subsection (1) an undertaker gives notice by entering in the SRWR such information as may be prescribed.”.
(4)
In section 114 of the 1991 Act (notice of starting date of road works)—
(a)
in subsection (1) the words from “to”, where thirdly occurring, to the end are repealed; and
(b)
“(3A)
For the purposes of subsection (1) an undertaker gives notice by—
(a)
giving to any relevant authority (not being the road works authority) and to any other person having apparatus in the road which is likely to be affected by the works a notice—
(i)
stating the date on which it is proposed to begin the works, and
(ii)
containing such other information as may be prescribed, and
(b)
entering in the SRWR a copy of that notice.”.
(5)
In section 116 of the 1991 Act (notice of emergency works)—
(a)
in subsection (2) the words from “to” to the end are repealed; and
(b)
“(3A)
For the purposes of subsection (2) an undertaker gives notice by—
(a)
giving to each person to whom notice would be required to be given under section 114 a notice—
(i)
stating the undertaker's intention, or as the case may be, the fact that he has begun to execute the works, and
(ii)
containing such other information as may be prescribed, and
(b)
entering in the SRWR a copy of that notice.”.
(6)
In subsection (2) of section 117 of the 1991 Act (restriction of works following substantial road works)—
(a)
for “published in the prescribed manner” there is substituted “
entered in the SRWR
”
; and
(b)
for “published”, where secondly and thirdly occurring, there is substituted “
so entered
”
.
(7)
In section 165 of the 1991 Act (index for Part 4)—
(a)
“the Commissioner
section 112A(1)”;
(b)
“the SRWR
section 112A(1)”.
Miscellaneous
20Directions as to timing of road works
(1)
Section 115 of the 1991 Act (directions as to timing of road works) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (6) below.
(2)
In subsection (1)—
(a)
in paragraph (b) at the end there is added “
or on certain days (or at certain times on certain days)
”
; and
(b)
after “the times” there is inserted “
or days (or both)
”
.
(3)
“(1A)
If it appears to a road works authority—
(a)
that subsisting road works are causing or are likely to cause serious disruption to traffic, and
(b)
that the disruption would be avoided or reduced if the works were to continue to be carried out only at certain times or on certain days (or at certain times on certain days),
the authority may give the undertaker such directions as may be appropriate as to the times or days (or both) when the works may or may not continue to be carried out.”.
(4)
“(2A)
The Scottish Ministers shall by regulations make provision for appeals against directions under this section, including provision as to the procedure to be followed on an appeal.”.
(5)
“(3A)
An undertaker shall be taken not to have failed to fulfil any statutory duty to afford a supply or service if, or to the extent that, the failure is attributable to a direction under this section.”.
(6)
In subsection (4), for “may” there is substituted “
shall
”
.
21Directions as to placing of apparatus in roads
(1)
“115APower to give directions as to placing of apparatus
(1)
Where—
(a)
an undertaker is proposing to execute road works consisting of the placing of apparatus in a road (the “proposed road”),
(b)
placing the apparatus in the proposed road is likely to cause disruption to traffic, and
(c)
it appears to the road works authority that—
(i)
there is another road in which the apparatus could be placed (the “other road”), and
(ii)
the conditions in subsection (2) are satisfied,
the authority may by directions require the undertaker not to place the apparatus in the proposed road (but shall not require the undertaker to place the apparatus in the other road).
(2)
The conditions referred to in subsection (1)(c)(ii) are that—
(a)
disruption to traffic would be avoided or reduced if the apparatus were to be placed in the other road,
(b)
placing the apparatus in the other road would be a reasonable way of achieving the purpose for which the apparatus is to be placed, and
(c)
it is reasonable to require the undertaker not to place the apparatus in the proposed road.
(3)
Directions under this section may be varied or revoked by further such directions.
(4)
The procedure for giving directions under this section shall be as prescribed.
(5)
The Scottish Ministers shall by regulations make provision for appeals against directions under this section, including provision as to the procedure to be followed on an appeal.
(6)
An undertaker who executes works in contravention of directions under this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
(7)
An undertaker shall be taken not to have failed to fulfil any statutory duty to afford a supply or service if, or to the extent that, the failure is attributable to a direction under this section.
(8)
The Scottish Ministers shall issue or approve for the purposes of this section a code of practice giving practical guidance as to the exercise by road works authorities of the power conferred by this section; and in exercising that power a road works authority shall have regard to the code of practice.”.
(2)
In section 116 of the 1991 Act (notice of emergency works in roads), in subsection (1), the word “or” is repealed and after “works”, where first occurring, there is inserted “
or section 115A (power to give directions as to placing of apparatus)
”
.
22Restriction on works following substantial road works
(1)
In section 117 of the 1991 Act (restriction on works following substantial road works)—
F3(a)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)
in subsection (6), at the beginning of paragraph (b) there is inserted “
if convicted of an offence under this subsection,
”
; and
(c)
“(9)
The Scottish Ministers may issue or approve for the purposes of this section a code of practice giving practical guidance as to the performance by road works authorities of their functions under this section; and in carrying out those functions a road works authority shall have regard to the code of practice.”.
(2)
In section 114 of the 1991 Act (notice of starting date of works), in subsection (2), after “works” there is inserted “
or in cases where the undertaker has been given notice under section 117(1)
”
.
23Duty of road works authority to co-ordinate road works etc.
(1)
Section 118 of the 1991 Act (road works authority's duty to co-ordinate road works etc.) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (5) below.
(2)
“(2A)
In discharging their duty under this section, a road works authority shall have regard to all information in the SRWR which relates to the functions of the authority.
(2B)
A road works authority shall, so as to maximise the utility of that information for the purposes of subsection (2A)—
(a)
assist the Commissioner in complying with the duty imposed by subsection (1) of section 112A (as read with subsection (2) of that section), and
(b)
keep that information under surveillance.”.
(3)
In subsection (3), after “co-ordination”, there is inserted “
and the specific duties imposed by subsections (2) to (2B)
”
.
(4)
“(3A)
In discharging all the duties referred to in subsection (3), a road works authority shall have regard also to such guidance as is contained in the practice referred to in section 17(4)(b) of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 12).”.
(5)
In subsections (4) and (5), for “Secretary of State”, in each place where it occurs, there is substituted “
Commissioner
”
.
24Duty of undertakers to co-operate with authorities and other undertakers
(1)
Section 119 of the 1991 Act (undertakers' duty to co-operate) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (4) below.
(2)
“(1A)
In discharging the duty under this section, an undertaker shall have regard to all information in the SRWR about matters which might affect, or be affected by, works being or proposed to be carried out by the undertaker.
(1B)
An undertaker shall, so as to maximise the utility of that information for the purposes of subsection (1A)—
(a)
assist the Commissioner in complying with the duty imposed by subsection (1) of section 112A (as read with subsection (2) of that section), and
(b)
keep that information under surveillance.
(1C)
In subsections (1A) and (1B), “undertaker” does not include a person having permission under section 109 to execute road works.”.
(3)
“(2A)
In discharging the duties imposed by subsections (1) to (1B), an undertaker shall—
(a)
comply with any direction in that respect given to the undertaker by the Commissioner, and
(b)
have regard to such guidance as is contained in the practice referred to in section 17(4)(b) of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 12),
and paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (2) shall apply in relation to any such direction as they apply in relation to the code of practice referred to in that subsection.
(2B)
If it appears to the Commissioner that an undertaker is not properly complying with his duty under subsection (1), he may direct the undertaker to supply him with such information as he considers necessary to enable him to decide whether that is the case and, if so, what action to take.
The direction shall specify the information to be provided and the period within which it is to be provided.”.
(4)
“(4)
A direction under this section may be varied or revoked by a further direction.”.
25Enforcement of sections 118 and 119 of 1991 Act
(1)
Subsection (3) of section 119 of the 1991 Act (which subsection makes it an offence for an undertaker executing road works to fail to use best endeavours to co-operate with the road works authority and other undertakers) is repealed.
(2)
“119AEnforcement of sections 118 and 119: imposition of penalties
(1)
The Scottish Ministers may, by regulations, make provision for or in connection with—
(a)
the imposition by the Commissioner of penalties on road works authorities and undertakers who fail to comply with duties imposed on them by sections 118 and 119 respectively,
(b)
the payment of such penalties.
(2)
The regulations may include provision for or in connection with—
(a)
the notification and enforcement of penalties,
(b)
the level of penalties,
(c)
appeals against the imposition of penalties including the appointment of persons to hear and determine such appeals.”.
26Qualifications of supervisors and operatives
(1)
Section 126 of the 1991 Act (qualifications of supervisors and operatives) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (5) below.
(2)
“(1A)
A road works authority may (unless the case is one excepted from subsection (1)) by notice require an undertaker executing road works—
(a)
to notify them of the name of—
(i)
the person who is currently the qualified supervisor required under subsection (1), and
(ii)
each person who has previously been the qualified supervisor so required, and
(b)
to provide them with such evidence of the requisite qualification of the person or, as the case may be, each person named as may be prescribed.”.
(3)
“(2A)
A road works authority may (unless the case is one excepted from subsection (2)) by notice require an undertaker executing road works—
(a)
to notify them of the name of—
(i)
a person whose presence on site at any time specified in the notice (being a time when the works were in progress) enabled the undertaker to comply with his duty under subsection (2), or
(ii)
each person whose presence on site during the progress of the works enabled the undertaker to comply with his duty under subsection (2), and
(b)
to provide them such evidence of the requisite qualification of the or, as the case may be, each person named as may be prescribed.
(2B)
A notice under subsection (1A) or (2A) may be given at any time while the works are being executed or within such period after their completion as may be prescribed.
(2C)
The undertaker shall comply with a notice under subsection (1A) or (2A) within such period and in such way as may be prescribed.”.
(4)
In subsection (3), for “or (2)” there is substituted “
, (2) or (2C)
”
.
(5)
“and
(“(c))
the form of any document to be issued by an approved body to certify or otherwise show that a qualification has been conferred on any person.”.
27Duty of authorities, undertakers etc. to ensure competence of employees etc.
“126ADuty of authorities, undertakers etc. to ensure competence of employees etc.
Each of the authorities and other persons set out in the first column below shall use their or, as the case may be, his best endeavours to ensure that each of that authority's or, as the case may be, that person's employees or agents whose duty it is to carry out for that authority or person a function conferred on that authority or person by or under an enactment set out relative to that authority or person in the second column below is competent to perform that duty—
A road works authority
Section 112B(1) and (3) of this Act; section 18 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 12) (duty to provide Scottish Road Works Commissioner with certain information).
A roads authority
Section 112B(4) to (7) of this Act.
An undertaker
Sections 113(1), 114(1) and 116(2) of this Act; section 18 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 12) (duty to provide Scottish Road Works Commissioner with certain information).”.
28Duty of undertaker to notify completion of road works: form and procedure
In section 129 of the 1991 Act (duty of undertaker to reinstate road after road works)—
(a)
in subsection (3), for “inform the road works authority” there is substituted “
give the required notice
”
;
(b)
in subsection (4), for “notify the road works authority” there is substituted “
give the required notice
”
;
(c)
“(5A)
For the purposes of subsection (3) or (4) an undertaker gives the required notice by—
(a)
giving to the Commissioner a notice containing such information as may be prescribed, and
(b)
entering in the SRWR a copy of that notice.”.
29Notices requiring remedial works relating to reinstatements
(1)
In section 131 of the 1991 Act (powers of road works authority in relation to reinstatement of roads)—
(a)
in subsection (3), for “of not less than 7 working days” there is substituted “
, not being shorter than such period as may be prescribed,
”
; and
(b)
“(3A)
Different minimum periods may be prescribed under subsection (3) for different descriptions of remedial works; and cases may be so prescribed in which no minimum period applies.”.
(2)
In section 149 of the 1991 Act (which, among other things, enables the authorities responsible for sewers, drains and tunnels to require their reinstatement)—
(a)
in subsection (2), for “of not less than 7 working days” there is substituted “
, not being shorter than such period as may be prescribed,
”
; and
(b)
“(2A)
Different minimum periods may be prescribed under subsection (2) for different descriptions of remedial works; and cases may be so prescribed in which no minimum period applies.”.
Resurfacing
F430Power of road works authority to require undertaker to resurface road
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F531Resurfacing: regulations and guidance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F632Contributions to costs of resurfacing by undertaker
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enforcement of 1991 Act
33Increase in penalties for summary offences under 1991 Act
(1)
The maximum fine for each offence under a provision of the 1991 Act listed in column 1 of the table in schedule 3 is increased from level 3 on the standard scale to the level specified for that provision in column 3 of the table.
(2)
Accordingly, in each provision so listed, for “level 3” there is substituted “
level 4
”
or “
level 5
”
(as specified in column 3 of the table).
34Fixed penalty offences
(1)
“154AFixed penalties for certain offences under this Part
(1)
Any offence under this Part relating to road works which is listed in the first column of Schedule 6A (and described in general terms in the second column) is a fixed penalty offence for the purposes of this Part.
(2)
Offences listed in that Schedule which are committed by virtue of section 166 (offences by bodies corporate and partnerships) are not fixed penalty offences.
(3)
The Scottish Ministers may by order made by statutory instrument modify that Schedule so as to provide for offences under this Part relating to road works to become (or cease to be) fixed penalty offences.
(4)
No such order shall be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before and approved by resolution of the Scottish Parliament.
(5)
Schedule 6B (which makes provision about fixed penalties for fixed penalty offences) has effect.”.
(2)
“fixed penalty offence
section 154A(1)”.
(3)
After Schedule 6 to that Act there are inserted Schedules 6A and 6B as set out in schedules 4 and 5 to this Act.
35Civil penalties for certain offences under 1991 Act
“154BCivil penalties for certain offences
(1)
The Scottish Ministers may, by regulations, make provision for or in connection with—
(a)
the imposition by road works authorities of penalty charges in respect of such offences under this Part of this Act as are specified in the regulations,
(b)
the payment of such charges.
(2)
The regulations shall include provision specifying the person or persons by whom a penalty charge in respect of an offence is to be paid (who may be or, as the case may be, include a person other than the person who committed the offence).
(3)
The regulations shall include provision—
(a)
prohibiting criminal proceedings or the giving of a fixed penalty notice in respect of any description of conduct for which a penalty charge may be imposed, or
(b)
securing that a penalty charge is not payable or is refunded where the conduct is the subject of criminal proceedings or of a fixed penalty notice.
(4)
The regulations shall include provision about the standard of proof required to establish the commission of an offence in respect of which a penalty charge may be imposed and may include other provision for or in connection with evidence and procedure.
(5)
The regulations may set different levels of penalty charges in respect of different offences and in respect of the same offences committed in different circumstances.
(6)
The regulations may include provision for and in connection with—
(a)
the notification of penalty charges to persons appearing to be liable to pay them,
(b)
the enabling and effect of the making of representations to road works authorities by persons who are or may be liable to pay those charges,
(c)
appeals by those persons against the imposition of those charges.
(7)
Regulations shall not be made unless a draft of them has been laid before and approved by resolution of the Scottish Parliament.”.
Resolution of disputes under 1991 Act
36Method of settlement of certain disputes under 1991 Act
(1)
In each of the provisions of the 1991 Act mentioned in subsection (2) below, for “by arbitration” there is substituted “
in the prescribed manner
”
.
(2)
Those provisions are—
(a)
section 117(7) (consent to contravene restriction on works following substantial road works);
(b)
section 120(6) (protected roads: consent as to placing of apparatus);
(c)
section 121(5) (exercise of powers in relation to protected roads);
(d)
section 133(2) (meaning of “reasonable period” for the purposes of charges for prolonged road works);
(e)
section 143(3) (measures necessary where apparatus affected by major works);
(f)
section 155(3) (disputes about costs and expenses); and
(g)
in Schedule 6 (roads with special engineering difficulties), paragraph 2(1).
(3)
In section 143(4) of the 1991 Act (failure to comply with agreement or decision)—
(a)
for “of the arbiter” there is substituted “
made
”
; and
(b)
after “subsection (3)” there is inserted “
in settlement of a dispute
”
.
(4)
“157ARegulations prescribing manner of settlement of disputes
Regulations under this Part prescribing the manner in which any question or dispute is to be settled may in particular make provision for the question or, as the case may be, dispute to be settled—
(a)
by the Commissioner, or
(b)
by arbitration.”.
(5)
In Schedule 6 (roads with special engineering difficulties)—
(a)
in paragraph 10(1), for “arbiter” to “arbitration” there is substituted “
person to whom it falls, by virtue of regulations made under paragraph 2(1), to settle a dispute under that paragraph
”
; and
(b)
in paragraph 12—
(i)
in sub-paragraph (2), for “arbitration” there is substituted “
be settled in the prescribed manner
”
;
(ii)
in sub-paragraph (3), for “arbiter” there is substituted “
person to whom it falls to settle the matter
”
; and
(iii)
in sub-paragraph (4), for “the arbiter” there is substituted “
that person
”
.
Enforcement of certain offences under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984
37Fixed penalty offences under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984
(1)
“130AFixed penalties for certain offences
(1)
Any offence under this Act which is listed in the first column of Schedule 8A to this Act (and described in general terms in the second column) is a fixed penalty offence for the purposes of this Act.
(2)
Offences listed in that Schedule which are committed by virtue of section 130 of this Act (offences committed by bodies corporate, etc.) are not fixed penalty offences.
(3)
The Scottish Ministers may, by order, modify that Schedule so as to provide that an offence is to cease to be a fixed penalty offence.
(4)
Schedule 8B to this Act (which makes provision about fixed penalties for fixed penalty offences) has effect.
(5)
An order under subsection (3) above may make transitional provision.”.
(2)
In section 143 of that Act (which includes provision as to orders under the Act), in subsection (2)(b)(ii), after “section” there is inserted “
130A or
”
.
(3)
After Schedule 8 to that Act there are inserted Schedules 8A and 8B as set out in schedules 6 and 7 to this Act.
(4)
“(3)
References in this section to notices authorised to be given or served for the purposes of this Part include reference to notices under Schedule 8B to the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 54) (fixed penalties for certain offences under that Act).”.
38Civil penalties for certain offences under the roads (Scotland) Act 1984
(1)
“130BCivil penalties for certain offences
(1)
The Scottish Ministers may, by regulations, make provision for or in connection with—
(a)
the imposition by roads authorities of penalty charges in respect of the offences which, under section 130A of this Act, are fixed penalty offences;
(b)
the payment of such charges.
(2)
The regulations shall include provision specifying the person or persons by whom a penalty charge in respect of an offence is to be paid (who may be or, as the case may be, include a person other than the person who committed the offence).
(3)
The regulations shall include provision—
(a)
prohibiting criminal proceedings or the giving of a fixed penalty notice in respect of any description of conduct for which a penalty charge may be imposed; or
(b)
securing that a penalty charge is not payable or is refunded where the conduct is the subject of criminal proceedings or of a fixed penalty notice.
(4)
The regulations shall include provision about the standard of proof required to establish the commission of an offence in respect of which a penalty charge may be imposed and may include other provision for or in connection with evidence and procedure.
(5)
The regulations may set different levels of penalty charges in respect of different offences and in respect of the same offences committed in different circumstances.
(6)
The regulations may include provision for and in connection with—
(a)
the notification of penalty charges to persons appearing to be liable to pay them;
(b)
the enabling and effect of the making of representations to roads authorities by persons who are or may be liable to pay those charges;
(c)
appeals by those persons against the imposition of those charges.”.
(2)
In section 143 of that Act (which includes provision as to regulations under the Act), in subsection (2)(b)(i) after “17” there is inserted “
or 130B
”
.
39Consultation on regulations and codes of practice
“163AConsultation on regulations and codes of practice
(1)
Before—
(a)
making, amending or revoking regulations under or for the purposes of any provision of this Part, or
(b)
issuing, amending or revoking a code of practice under or for the purposes of any such provision or approving any such code of practice or its amendment or revocation,
the Scottish Ministers shall consult the persons and authorities set out in subsection (2).
(2)
Those persons and authorities are such—
(a)
persons considered by the Scottish Ministers to be representative of the interests of undertakers,
(b)
road works authorities,
(c)
other persons,
as the Scottish Ministers think appropriate.”.