Local MP Deidre Brock has urged the UK Government to intervene and allow an acclaimed children’s illustrator from Iran to appear at the Edinburgh Book Festival. Continue reading Festival appearance at risk over visa refusal
Day: July 22, 2017
Road works consultation underway
Have your say on road repairs
A consultation on proposals to raise standards and improve the quality of road works has been launched. The consultation, announced by Transport Minister Humza Yousaf on Thursday, aims to develop the regulation of road works in Scotland.
The Scottish Government wants to hear the views on proposals to raise standards and improve the quality of road works, enhance enforcement and provide additional powers for the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.
The consultation includes recommendations from Jim Barton’s independent review in 2016 of the Office and Functions of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.
Mr Yousaf said: “The planning and coordination of road works in Scotland, is already streets ahead of the rest the UK. We have a single register for all utility road works which covers the whole of Scotland. We are unique in having the Scottish Road Works Commissioner to oversee the planning and coordination of road works, promote good practice, and ultimately consider enforcement action.
“However, despite having many strengths, we recognise there is still room for improvement.
“Road works are often where our busy lives intersect with our reliance on utility services. Our expectation is that where there is an unforeseen interruption to our water, electricity, gas or broadband services, the necessary repairs will be carried out quickly, and disruption to road users will be kept to a minimum.
“Our road network is an important national asset and we need to be confident that we have the right measures in place to ensure that those digging up the road, reinstate the road properly and get it right first time.
“We have worked closely with key stakeholders including Angus Carmichael the current Scottish Road Works Commissioner, to develop these proposals and I would like to thank Angus, those representing road authorities and utility companies for their input.”
Angus Carmichael, the Scottish Road Works Commissioner said: “During my 21 months in post, I have been particularly welcoming of the opportunity to work in partnership with roads authorities, utility companies and the Scottish Government on input to this important consultation on improving the regulation of road works in Scotland.
“This process provides a rare opportunity for the road works community to help further improve the regulatory framework and ultimately the management of road works across Scotland.”
Members of the public can access the consultation via the Transport Scotland website until 12 October 2017.
Three arrested after warrants executed
Police officers executed three warrants across North Edinburgh during searches for stolen property yesterday.
Three males, aged 15, 18 and 19-year-old were arrested in connection with house-breakings which took place over the past week in Kirkliston, Pathhead, Penicuik and Musselburgh.
Property including jewellery and electrical goods was recovered at addresses in Clermiston Park, Colonsay View and Granton Mill March.
These latest arrests are a result of the renewed commitment by officers under Operation Soteria and the Stronger North 2017 initiative to gather intelligence and tackle housebreaking, vehicle theft and related disorder in the North West of Edinburgh.
Chief Inspector Jimmy Jones, North West Area Commander said: “Our communities have told us that anti-social behaviour and youth disorder is a priority and we have renewed our commitment to tackling it in North West Edinburgh.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their assistance so far. Support from our communities is vital in tackling such offences and I can assure them we will act on the information we receive.
“Anyone with concerns can speak to a local officer, contact Police Scotland on 101 or report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”