This statement sets out the Transport Scotland policy that the placing of election material within the trunk road boundary is precluded.
Justification
Driver distraction has a negative impact on road safety and so only essential signage should appear.
There is a safety issue connected to the erection and removal of posters etc. particularly those which are inappropriately sited.
A build-up of election material can often have a negative visual impact on the general amenity of trunk roads with possible safety implications for drivers and pedestrians.
Although the majority of election agents' act responsibly in organising the early removal of posters once the election has passed, additional resources often have to be targeted on ensuring the posters are removed and in some cases the posters have to be removed at Transport Scotland’s expense.
Dissemination of Policy
The following actions have been taken to implement this policy:
The Trunk Roads Term Maintenance Contractors were informed by letter dated 6 February 2007.
The Trunk Roads Term Maintenance Contracts were revised by issue of a letter dated 1 March 2007. See
The main political parties were informed by issue of a letter dated 16 February 2007.
Associated Legislation/References
Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992
Background
Transport Scotland is the national transport agency for Scotland. We are an executive agency directly accountable to Scottish Ministers. The Chief Executive is directly accountable to the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Minister. We work in tandem with the Transport Directorate of the Scottish Government.
Transport Scotland works in partnership with private sector transport operators, local authorities and government. It also works closely with seven regional transport partnerships (RTPs) which take a strategic view of the transport needs of people and businesses in their region.
You can contact Transport Scotland in writing, by phone or email.
