The Scottish Road Worker Consultation 2024
Feedback updated 24 Dec 2024
We asked
We asked for views on the use of ‘apparatus plans’ and held a public consultation which was open for 12 weeks from 11 October 2024. There was also an additional three questions on the ‘Street Works Qualification’ regime.
You said
In total 53 responses to the consultation were received: twenty-four came from current managerial/supervisory staff working within the industry. In terms of operatives, individuals working for both utility firms, roads authorities and their supply chain provided responses. There were also three responses from organisations responsible for setting best practice, the direct provision of plans (“others”), or informing policy making, including Scotland’s regulator of road works, the Scottish Road Works Commissioner. One response was received after the deadline but has been included in the analysis in the interests of representing as wide a set of views as possible.
We are grateful to everyone who took time to share their views and provide a response to this consultation. The consultation analysis report can be found here.
We did
All responses have been fully considered. We will now use the responses to inform a proposed supporting SSI that prescribes the data set that should be supplied to Vault.
Results updated 24 Dec 2024
Overall, the evidence from the consultation, direct engagement with our road worker focus group, and the PDG supported the need for seven key attributes to be recorded. These are:
- Ownership
- Asset Type (e.g. cabinet, pipe, duct etc)
- Voltage/Pressure etc.
- Depth
- Location (line on map)
- Position in road
- Position of asset when in another asset
There is clear support from the responses for service connections to be included in plans, and based on these findings there is no supporting evidence to exclude service connection information in Vault.
Links:
Published responses
View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.
Overview
Transport Scotland are holding a public consultation to seek views on the road worker experience of using plans of underground apparatus to dig safely, with a view to set guidance later in the year on this topic. We specifically welcome responses from persons who use ‘apparatus plans’ also known as ‘plant information’, to work in the road network.
Read the consultation paper. The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation. You may find it useful to read or refer to while responding.
Useful information about responding to this consultation
As you complete your response, each page will provide the option to 'Save and come back later' at the bottom. This means you can save your progress and return to the consultation at any time before it closes. If you don't use this feature and leave the consultation midway through, your response will be lost.
Once you have submitted your response, you can enter your email address to get a pdf copy of your answers sent to you.
On the 'About You' page at the end of this consultation, organisations will have the opportunity to tell us more about their work and/or how their response was informed.
After the consultation has closed there will be a few months delay before any responses are published. This is because we must check any responses to be published abide by our Terms of Use.
A analysis report will usually be published some months after the consultation has closed. This report will summarise the findings based on all responses submitted. It will be published on the Scottish Government website and you may be notified about it if you choose to share your email address with us. You can also join our consulation mailing list where we regularly list newly published analysis reports (as well as new consultations).
Why your views matter
Consultation is an essential part of the Scottish Government policy making process. It gives us the opportunity to seek your opinions.
The aim of this consultation is to ask some specific technical questions on the experience of using apparatus plans. The consultation may well result in legislative guidance that will refine the process for road authorities and utility firms supplying information to our ‘vault’ system and ensure is fit for purpose. It must benefit our frontline road workers, the asset owners, the public and end service users. Additionally, we would also like to take this opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the ‘Street Works Qualification’ regime.
We would like your views, supported by evidence where possible, to inform these potential changes.
What happens next
All responses are currently being analysed and considered along with any other available evidence to help us. An analysis report will be made available shortly.
Where respondents have given permission for their response to be made public, and after we have checked that they contain no potentially defamatory material, responses will be made available to the public.
Interests
- Transport
- Main hub
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