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Section 16A of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 defines a “relevant event” as “any sporting event, social event or entertainment which is held on a road”. It is for the relevant traffic authority to reach a view as to whether or not a particular event falls within that definition.

Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act and section 62 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 also provide for a traffic authority to temporarily restrict or prohibit traffic on a road by means of an order when the circumstances and conditions set out in those sections are fulfilled.

It is for each traffic authority to consider the powers available to them to regulate traffic for a particular event.

As regards the possibility of multiple TTROs being made for the same stretch of road, section 16B of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 provides that where a s16A order has been made by a local traffic authority in any calendar year, no further order (affecting the same length(s) of road) may be made under that section in that year, unless the further order is made with the consent of the Scottish Ministers.

In September 2015, Transport Scotland issued ‘Section 16A Special Events – Guidance’ to the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS), which was subsequently distributed to local authorities. This can be accessed at https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/5744/section-16a-special-events-guidance.pdf. The guidance was prepared in order to facilitate an effective and efficient handling process in the instances where local authorities are required to obtain Scottish Ministers’ consent to section 16A orders.

Transport Scotland, on behalf of Scottish Minsters, will continue to process any applications for consent to such orders as set out in the above guidance.

The Scottish Government is aware of the concerns raised by Police Scotland in relation to traffic regulation for pre planned events. We recognise that any change in Police Scotland’s approach to traffic regulation for such events could have an impact on event organisers and traffic authorities and that the issues arising affect all pre-planned events, not just marches and parades.

We are in discussions with Police Scotland in relation to these issues and are committed to continuing our engagement with Police Scotland and Local Authorities with a view to reaching a shared understanding of the issues and the means by which these matters might be progressed. We have proposed that a joint working group be established to take that work forward.

In terms of guidance, the Scottish Ministers do not provide guidance to traffic authorities on the scope of the powers available to regulate traffic for pre-planned events, or on the issue of costs for any Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders that are to be promoted.

Guidance for event organisers in relation to galas and events affecting public roads was prepared by the then Scottish Executive, in partnership with Local Authorities, police forces and event organisers. The intention is that this guidance will be reviewed following the discussions referred to above.

19 December 2017 and are continuing to be tracked and developed as part of the work of the Joint Programme Board.

I refer the Member to answer to question S5W-13700 on 23 January 2018. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice and the Minister for Transport and the Islands held meetings with the British Transport Police Federation (BTPF) on 10 March 2016; 10 August 2016; and 6 December 2016. There has also been correspondence in December 2016, June 2017 and October 2017 with regular engagement between members of the Joint Programme Board and the BTPF throughout the integration programme. Recent Joint Programme Board papers are now published online at http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Justice/policies/police-fire-rescue/police-scotland/BTP/jpbprogramme/proactiverelease.

The supporting documents to the Railway Policing (Scotland) Bill provided an analysis of the integration of the BTP in Scotland into Police Scotland, including benefits and potential disbenefits identified by stakeholders. There was also further Parliamentary analysis and scrutiny during the process of the Railway Policing (Scotland) Act 2017.

Following the passage of the legislation, the Joint Programme Board is overseeing a programme of work to ensure all relevant issues are identified and managed as part of the integration process.

Funding for railway policing comes primarily from rail operators and that will not change following integration. The Joint Programme Board is closely monitoring the progress of the programme and will provide advice to Ministers on any issues that arise.

Arrangements for railway policing agreements are a matter for the Scottish Police Authority under the terms of the Railway Policing (Scotland) Act 2017. The Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland last met with the railway industry on 29 November 2017 to discuss the integration of the British Transport Police in Scotland into Police Scotland and these meetings will continue.

Joint Programme Board partners are working together to understand the current performance measures for railway policing to ensure they can be replicated and developed post integration. Integration will provide a single command structure, with seamless access to wider support facilities and specialist resources of the second largest police service in the UK, providing an enhanced service to the rail industry and travelling public.

The Scottish Government is engaging with the Trustee of the BTP pension schemes to reach agreement on how the pensions of transferring staff can be managed without detriment to them. The finalised agreement will also ensure there is no impact on the payment of pensions to retired BTP officers.