What its response is to the concerns of local businesses, especially in towns that depend on income from summer tourism, that utility compa…

While it is appreciated that road improvements and road works by utility companies can be an inconvenience, they are a necessary fact of life, both to improve the road network and to supply consumers with the services they require. Although the vast majority of works are of a relatively short timescale and are unlikely to have any significant effect on business, other long-term works can and do cause disruption on a longer term basis.
In many instances, major road works need to be carried out during the summer months when there is less risk of inclement weather preventing the roads authorities or utilities from completing their works within agreed timescales.
Before starting works, utility companies are required by law to notify the relevant roads authority of their intention by placing a notice on the Scottish Road Works Register. Information on the register is available and accessible to all users of the road. Information on current and planned road works can be accessed at www.roadworksscotland.org. The Office of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner has been established to oversee compliance with the provisions of the legislation.