Wednesday 06 June 2018

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

Constitution and External Affairs

Monica Lennon (Central ) (): To ask the what action it is taking through its International Development Fund to promote menstrual justice abroad. (S5O-02185) : The Scottish Government is supportive of efforts to educate and promote women and girls' health and hygiene, including menstrual hygiene. Our International Development Fund and Climate Justice Fund have supported a number of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene projects. We are currently funding a nearly £1.4 million project with Scottish Water in Rwanda delivered by WaterAid. This includes directly supporting ten schools through the provision of inclusive toilets with menstrual hygiene management rooms, serving as a demonstration of best practice in the provision of inclusive sanitation services in schools.

Economy

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what impact it expects the diversion of funds from tourism projects, such as Love Loch Lomond, to digital and data projects will have on the visitor economy. (S5O-02183) Alasdair Allan: The Scottish Enterprise Destination Development funding for Love Loch Lomond comes to an end in October 2018. This is the end of an agreed funding award rather than a diversion of funds into other activity.

Customer expectations and demands, and ultimately the success and growth of Scotland’s visitor economy, require the tourism sector to develop stronger digital skills to support decision making and business growth. This is key to maintaining Scotland’s tourism competitive position and is an area the Scottish Government and its agencies will focus their resources on.

Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (): To ask the Scottish Government what measures it has taken to promote tourist attractions in the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency such as the National Mining Museum, Abbotsford, Melrose Abbey and the Great Polish Map of Scotland. (S5O-02184) Alasdair Allan: VisitScotland has supported a variety of marketing activity in the area including a £500,000 investment in a unique three-year international marketing campaign for the new Borders Railway. VisitScotland is committed to continuing to deliver for all of Scotland and will continue to serve the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency as part of this.

Richard Lochhead () (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what options are being considered for the development of Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery to enhance its contribution to tourism to the area and the wider economy. (S5O-02186) Alasdair Allan: As will be aware, Dallas Dhu distillery is owned by Diageo and is property in the care of the Scottish Ministers. Its conservation and management is handled by Historic Environment Scotland under a scheme of delegation.

I understand that has raised the matter with Historic Environment Scotland since Richard Lochhead last asked about Dallas Dhu and that active discussions are taking place. As there are commercial sensitivities to this issue Richard Lochhead will be aware there are limits to what can be said in public.

Ross Greer (West Scotland) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government how its agencies support location scouting for the film and television sectors. (S5W-16836) Fiona Hyslop: Creative Scotland is the public body which supports Scotland’s screen, arts and creative industries on behalf of the Scottish Government, along the ‘arms-length’ principle. The Screen Commission within Creative Scotland works directly with production companies and studios to promote locations in Scotland and support them in a variety of ways to bring productions to shoot in or base themselves in Scotland. Creative Scotland also attends events internationally to promote Scottish locations and facilities. I have made Creative Scotland aware of your question and you may contact them directly for an answer on the support they provide for location scouting for the film and television sector.

Additionally, I hosted a dinner with Creative Scotland, also attended by Scottish Government officials, on 20 April, with major US production executives who were on a familiarisation tour of Scotland, as part of a British Film Commission tour of the UK. Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many funding applications have been received by the South of Scotland Economic Partnership, and how many of these (a) have been successful and (b) are waiting to be processed. (S5W-16869) Keith Brown: In the 2018-2019 Budget, the Scottish Government identified £10million to drive forward inclusive growth and support communities across the South of Scotland. The budget will support the work of the South of Scotland Economic Partnership, enabling additional activity to take place supporting businesses and communities. A range of individuals, groups and organisations have made initial approaches to the Partnership to explore the potential for funding and whether to progress their ideas and submit applications for support. There have been nine formal applications for funding, with two approved and seven under consideration.

Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what process is in place for funding applications to the South of Scotland Economic Partnership. (S5W-16870) Keith Brown: Those with potential projects seeking funding should submit their ideas to the South of Scotland Economic Partnership ( [email protected] ).

The Partnership will consider initial enquiries and the potential for those projects to progress to a formal funding application. Projects progressing to a formal funding application will require a business case setting out information about the project and its contribution to inclusive growth. The business case will be assessed by the Partnership against a set of agreed and consistent criteria including demonstrating: a clear link to the Partnership's priorities; additionality, activity that could not otherwise have happened; ambition, making a significant difference; partnership; and leverage of other funding sources.

The Partnership will then submit a recommendation to the Government to decide on whether or not to approve the funding application. The process will be set out on the Partnership's website.

Education, Communities and Justice

Alexander Stewart (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take in light of recent Police Scotland figures, which highlight that missing person investigations have increased by almost 1,000 in the last year. (S5O-02194) : In May 2017, the Scottish Government launched Scotland’s first ever National Framework for Missing Persons, and we are now delivering the actions in the Framework to improve multi-agency working and standardise approaches to risk assessment and return discussions to prevent and limit the harm for those who go missing. Our investment of over £200,000 is supporting the development and delivery of return discussion training to frontline staff across local authorities, and supporting the Missing People charity to extend their helpline service in Scotland.

Mary Fee (West Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Police Scotland staff comments in the report, Evaluation of Police and Fire Reform: Year 3, that “we were forced in the short term to make decisions about saving money that weren't always particularly intuitive in support of improving service”. (S5O-02195) Michael Matheson: Police reform has maintained policing services in the face of unprecedented public spending pressures. While recognising the complexity and challenges associated with reform, the Evaluation of Police and Fire Reform demonstrates there is credible evidence of progress being made towards achieving the three long-term aims of police reform.

As the evaluation recognises, Police Scotland is now entering a new phase of transformation which is necessary if it is to meet the changing demands on policing. We are supporting transformation, including through real terms protection of the police resource budget in every year of this Parliament – a boost of £100 million by 2020-21 as well as a further £31 million of dedicated reform funding this year.

In addition we have ensured that the Scottish Police Authority can retain the £25 million previously paid to the UK Treasury in VAT each year, and we will continue to press the UK Government on the £125 million already paid in Police VAT over the last 5 years.

Bob Doris ( Maryhill and Springburn) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government how much money has been returned to communities through the CashBack for Communities scheme since 2008. (S5O-02196) Michael Matheson: This Government introduced the Cashback for Communities programme in 2008 as a way to reinvest monies attributed to proceeds of crime directly back into our young people living in areas most affected by crime. Since 2008, £92 million seized from criminals has been committed to a wide range of sporting, cultural, youth work and community opportunities, delivering over 2 million activities and opportunities to some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged young people.

Phase 4 of CashBack started on 1 April 2017. We are investing £17 million across 17 exciting new programmes that are even more focussed on disadvantaged young people in every Local Authority across Scotland. This will build on the success of the CashBack programme.

Monica Lennon (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has provided to the Scottish Older People's Assembly in each financial year since 2007. (S5W-16879) Jeane Freeman: The first Scottish Older People's Assembly was held in October 2009, and the Scottish Government provided funding of £31,016.32 for it in 2009-10, and £30,000 per year between 2010-11 – 2013-14. In 2014-15 SOPA received £40,000, and between 2015-16 and 16-17 the Assembly received £65,000. Most recently SOPA has received £20,000 per year for the period 2016-17- 2018-19.

Ben Macpherson (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-04448 by Kevin Stewart on 15 November 2016, whether it will outline the average Housing Association Grant (HAG) subsidy levels approved for housing association new development tender approval activity in Edinburgh and Glasgow over the last three years, broken down by type of tenure. (S5W-16906) Kevin Stewart: The following table sets out the average Housing Association Grant (HAG) subsidy levels approved for housing association new development tender approval activity in Edinburgh and Glasgow over the last three years, broken down by type of tenure:

Grant per unit

Edinburgh 2014-152015-162016-17 HA Rent £59,066 £59,063 £62,836 HA Low Cost Home Ownership£29,558 £47,174 £31,821 Other Rent (Mid Market Rent) £33,070 £39,882 £36,138

Glasgow 2014-152015-162016-17 HA Rent £66,221 £63,031 £74,659 HA Low Cost Home Ownershipn/a n/a £67,556 Other Rent (Mid Market Rent) £33,713 £49,367 £31,240 Information for 2017-18 is not available yet and will be published within the Affordable Housing Supply Programme Outturn Report 2017-18 later in the year.

James Dornan (Glasgow Cathcart) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government which (a) primary and (b) secondary schools are receiving support through the Scottish Attainment Challenge, broken down by the amount awarded. (S5W-16907) : The Scottish Attainment Challenge commits £750 million over the course of this parliament to close the poverty related attainment gap. A table setting out the primary and secondary schools that are receiving support through the Scottish Attainment Challenge in 2018-19 has been placed in the Information Centre - BIB reference number 59793.

The 2018-19 school level allocations of Pupil Equity Funding are available on the Scottish Government website at https://beta.gov.scot/publications/pupil- equity-funding-school-allocations-2018-2019/ .

Ben Macpherson (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-06577 by Kevin Stewart on 2 February 2017, what the average (a) Housing Association Grant (HAG) and (b) non-HAG subsidy level per unit was expressed as a percentage of total costs for housing association new development tender approval activity in (i) Edinburgh and (ii) Glasgow in each of the last three years. (S5W-16922) Kevin Stewart: The following table sets out the average Housing Association Grant (HAG) and non (HAG) subsidy level expressed as a percentage of total costs for housing association new development tender approval activity in Edinburgh and Glasgow in each of the last three years:

Grant percentages

Edinburgh 2014-152015-162016-17 HA Rent 48.36% 46.36% 49.89% HA Low Cost Home Ownership20.00% 28.49% 19.60% Other Rent (Mid Market Rent) 26.72% 30.72% 27.29% Glasgow 2014-152015-162016-17 HA Rent 56.43% 63.79% 58.82% HA Low Cost Home Ownershipn/a n/a 43.30% Other Rent (Mid Market Rent) 29.00% 39.6% 28.68%

Health and Social Care

Kate Forbes (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made with the implementation of the Scottish Cosmetic Interventions Expert Group's recommendation of a three-phase approach to the regulation of cosmetic interventions. (S5W-16831) : This legislation, the first in the UK came into force in April 2016 and required significant new duties on both clinics, including private dentists, travel clinics, slimming clinics as well as cosmetic clinics from both the regulator (Healthcare Improvement Scotland) and the independent sector.

Phase two work is steadily progressing with the SG holding several meetings with key stakeholders and commissioning evidence gathering by researchers and external parties. There remains a lack of detailed evidence and work is now underway with a view to understanding experiences in Wales and England to determine the best course for Scotland. Options will be offered to Ministers in due course.

Phase three will look at the work of healthcare scientists including the use of lasers.

Kate Forbes (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to regulate the cosmetic hair transplant industry. (S5W-16832) Shona Robison: The Scottish Government has progressed the work of the Scottish Cosmetic Interventions Expert Group significantly with the development, consultation and implementation of new legislation to regulate all independent healthcare clinics in Scotland where services are provided by a doctor, dentist, nurse, dental care technician or midwife.

All clinics run by this group of healthcare professionals are required to register with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) and meet their conditions for registration, including the environment in which the work is undertaken and the business viability. Failure to register with HIS could lead to the clinics and their management being referred to the Procurator Fiscal’s Office which could result in a criminal conviction. By introducing this legislation the Scottish Government has acted to regulate cosmetic hair transplants carried out in independent healthcare clinics as described above.

Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on commissioning an independent national analysis or audit of child and adolescent mental health services. (S5W-16858) : The Scottish Government has no current plans to commission an audit of CAMHS services.

Audit Scotland are carrying out an audit of children and young people’s mental health services which will be published in Autumn 2018. The audit will look at provision of services across all four tiers of CAMHS, including voluntary sector and private sector services where relevant.

We have commissioned SAMH to undertake an audit of rejected referrals which will be published by the end of June 2018. SAMH will gather evidence from young people, their families and carers across the country to inform the approach to mental health services, and will make recommendations for improving the experience for children and young people who are referred to CAMHS. This work will also be informed by a statistical audit of CAMHS data to complete the picture of the current system, which will be taken forward by NHS Information Services Division.

Brian Whittle (South Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-15778 by Shona Robison on 24 April 2018, whether it will provide an update on work to deliver the routine provision of Orkambi for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. (S5W-16883) Shona Robison: The Scottish Government hopes that Vertex Pharmaceutical will re-submit an application for Orkambi to the Scottish Medicines Consortium, at a fair price. Scottish Government officials will meet with representatives of the company this month.

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the findings of the report, Review of Access to New Medicines, what progress has been made in ensuring access to treatments for (a) phenylketonuria and (b) other rare diseases. (S5W-16945) Shona Robison: I wrote to the Health and Sport Committee on 17 May to provide a further update on the Scottish Government’s progress in delivering the recommendations from the Review of Access to New Medicines.

I can confirm that the pharmaceutical company, BioMarin, has made a submission to the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for sapropterin (Kuvan®) for the treatment of phenylketonuria. The SMC will publish their advice in August.

Decisions made by the SMC are independent of Ministers and the Parliament.

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government, when considering whether to fund sapropterin for the treatment of phenylketonuria, what account the (a) NHS will take of the need to safeguard the reproductive rights of women with the condition, including those who are pregnant and (b) Scottish Medicines Consortium will take of the social and economic impact of the condition. (S5W-16946) Shona Robison: Clinical decisions on whether to prescribe any medicine are based on individual patient need and are a matter for the clinical judgment of the patient’s doctor in consultation with the patient, informed by advice and guidance about the medicine.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium takes a range of factors into consideration when deciding whether to accept a new medicine under review. This includes considering the clinical and health economic evidence provided by the submitting company as well as evidence submitted by patient groups to decide whether the medicine provides value for money.

Decisions made by the SMC are independent of Ministers and the Parliament.

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what criteria the Scottish Medicines Consortium uses to distinguish between orphan and ultra-orphan medicines, and what its position is on whether a treatment with a licensed indication that it will treat approximately 100 patients should be classed as ultra-orphan. (S5W-16948) Shona Robison: The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) currently uses the following definitions:

- End of life medicine: a medicine used to treat a condition at a stage that usually leads to death within three years with currently available treatments.

- Orphan medicines used for very rare conditions: a medicine with European Medicines Agency designated orphan status (conditions affecting fewer than 2,500 people in a population of 5 million) or a medicine to treat an equivalent size of population irrespective of whether it has orphan status.

- Ultra-orphan medicine: medicines for extremely rare conditions may be known as ultra-orphan medicines. SMC uses this term for medicines used to treat conditions with a prevalence of 1 in 50,000 or less (or a maximum of 100 people in Scotland).

Organisational Development and Operations

Daniel Johnson (Edinburgh Southern) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the third supplementary to question S5O-02087 by Jeane Freeman on 16 May 2018 (Official Report, c. 1), when it asked the experience panels to consider (a) merging all forms of adult disability benefits into a disability assistance allowance and (b) offering a choice of a mobility component within attendance allowance, and what progress is being made with this. (S5W-16826) Jeane Freeman: Work with Experience Panel members with lived experience of disability benefits began in June 2017 with an Experience-Panel wide research programme. Following this a disability benefit specific session started in November 2017 and is ongoing. This involves a combination of surveys, individual meetings and group sessions on a wide range of issues affecting disability benefits.

Over the next six months, we will be asking Experience Panel members more explicitly for their views on Attendance Allowance and on a mobility component for disability benefits, to inform our approach in Scotland in the future.

Mark Griffin (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-16576 by Jeane Freeman on 23 May 2018, when the Social Security Programme Board last discussed the anticipated date by which Social Security Scotland would approach steady state, and what that anticipated date is. (S5W-16862) Jeane Freeman: The Scottish Government is implementing social security in a phased and controlled way to ensure safe and secure transition to the 1.4 million people who rely on this support. Our plans for delivery of the first wave of benefits and the establishment of the agency are on track and we have made good progress, as recognised by the recent Audit Scotland report. The Social Security Programme Board have endorsed our approach to delivery and progress is discussed at all Board meetings. Delivery dates for further benefits will be announced in due course.

Mark Griffin (Central Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-16576 by Jeane Freeman on 23 May 2018, whether it will publish its timetable for bringing Social Security Scotland to steady state. (S5W-16863) Jeane Freeman: The Scottish Government is implementing social security in a phased and controlled way to ensure safe and secure transition to the 1.4 million people who rely on this support. Our plans for delivery of the first wave of benefits and the establishment of the agency are on track and we have made good progress, as recognised by the recent Audit Scotland report.

The 13% increase through the Carers Allowance Supplement will be delivered this year and Best Start Grant and Funeral Expense Assistance by Summer 2019. We have started recruitment for the staff of our new agency Social Security Scotland, both at the headquarters in Dundee and locally.

This staged approach to implementation will continue for the delivery of the rest of the devolved benefits. Delivery dates for further benefits will be announced in due course.

Transport Scotland

Alison Johnstone (Lothian) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland requiring a review of the Trunk Road Cycling Initiative with a commitment "to improve cycling and walking infrastructure around trunk roads when the opportunity presents", and a petition calling for legislation in this regard, what action it is taking to ensure that such opportunities are taken in relation to the development of the Sheriffhall roundabout. (S5W-16385) : Suitable provision for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians, is an important part of our major roads projects in design, including the proposed grade separation of Sheriffhall Roundabout on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass.

The proposed grade separation at Sheriffhall will improve access for pedestrians and cyclists compared to the existing arrangement. By allowing Edinburgh City Bypass traffic to pass over, it will significantly reduce congestion and through the provision of active travel facilities will enhance accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Provision for non- motorised users, including cyclists and pedestrians, is currently being developed in further detail as we progress the detailed design of the scheme in consultation with local interest groups (including Spokes and Sustrans).

Mike Rumbles (North East Scotland) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the comment made by the managing director of the ScotRail Alliance to the Rural Affairs and Connectivity Committee on 9 May 2018 (Official Report, c.12) regarding the introduction of high-speed Edinburgh-Aberdeen service that "originally, we wanted to go above and beyond the contractual date of June to deliver something for the timetable change in May. Sadly, that now looks unlikely"; when it was advised that it was unlikely that the contractual deadline would not be met; what action it to took to inform passengers of the delay, and what action it is taking to mitigate any issues that might arise due to the possible deferred completion date. (S5W-16581) Humza Yousaf: Abellio ScotRail continues to require the HST overhauler (Wabtec) and the train owners (ANGEL) to deliver the 26 fully refurbished High Speed Trains (HST) units into passenger service onto Inter-city routes. Engagement between ScotRail and it's suppliers continues, and Wabtec has now presented a revised schedule for the on-going HST refurbishment programme for the fleet. This would deliver introduction of the first HST on the Aberdeen-Edinburgh route in July.

Abellio ScotRail is responsible for notifying passengers around changes and alterations to any aspect of the services that they provide. Transport Scotland officials have worked with Abellio ScotRail recently to ensure that a fleet of interim class 365 electric trains is introduced this summer. This will release diesel trains to support events such as the Open golf at Carnoustie and the Edinburgh festival and also on the Inter-City routes prior to HSTs being introduced into service this year. In addition more than 25 of the existing diesel trains have had leases extended to ensure continued service provision.

Annie Wells (Glasgow) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that the estimated cost of the project to reduce journey times on the Glasgow-Falkirk- Edinburgh rail service has increased from £742 million to £858 million. (S5W-16623) Humza Yousaf: I confirmed to the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee on 16 May that I was disappointed that Network Rail’s anticipated final costs for the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) have risen to that level. However, the delivery of EGIP remains affordable within the available funding within this railway regulatory Control Period, unlike projects managed by the UK Government in the rest of GB which are so over budget that many enhancement and renewal projects have had to be cancelled or postponed.

I committed to writing to the Committee once Network Rail has written to me formally confirming the Final Costs for EGIP.

Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what lessons it has learned in relation to any anticipated impact in Scotland of the UK Government's decision to take services on the East Coast Main Line into public control. Holding answer issued: 06 June 2018 (S5W-16779) Humza Yousaf: A holding answer was provided.

Dean Lockhart (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what mechanisms are in place to allow (a) communities and (b) an area's businesses to make a financial contribution to local road safety measures. (S5W-16784) Humza Yousaf: The Scottish Government’s role is to work in collaboration to support partners in reducing risk through a range of road safety measures and this is supported through the Road Safety Framework to 2020. However, while the Framework offers this structure and guidance, deciding which road safety measure is delivered in each area is a matter for road safety delivery partners.

Therefore, should anyone wish to make a financial contribution towards local road safety measures, I suggest that they contact the relevant local road safety partners for advice on doing so. Details of the Road Safety Partners which form part of the partnership of the Framework can be found at: https://www.transport.gov.scot/transport-network/roads/road-safety/#37501 .

Dean Lockhart (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what account it takes of the number of injuries, fatalities and near misses on a road when considering whether there is a need to introduce additional road safety measures. (S5W-16786) Humza Yousaf: The Scottish Government is committed to achieving safer road travel in Scotland, which is why Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 contains challenging casualty reduction targets and an ultimate vision where there are no fatalities on Scotland roads. The Road Safety Framework Strategic Partnership Board (SPB), set up by Transport Scotland, regularly monitors the Reported Road Casualty Statistics to identify where activity or resources should best be directed. Deliver partners then coordinate initiatives in order to achieve the 2020 casualty reduction targets and make progress towards "Vision Zero".

Local Authorities, and Scottish Ministers for the Trunk Road Network, have a statutory duty to promote road safety, undertake studies of road accidents and take steps to both reduce and prevent accidents. In this respect it is for them to consider appropriate measures which will safeguard road users and residents, and to determine the priority that should be given to any road safety measures.

Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh Western) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on car-free zones around schools, and what plans it has to include provisions on this in its Miscellaneous Transport Bill. (S5W-16833) Humza Yousaf: In line with the Programme for Government commitment, the Transport Bill will be introduced to Parliament before summer recess. At this time the Scottish Government’s proposals in relation to responsible parking will be set out in detail and subject to the associated legislative scrutiny.

Local authorities have duties under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to provide secure expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic, including parking matters. Under the 1984 Act, local authorities can decide to restrict or prohibit parking by making a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). A TRO can be promoted for a variety of reasons and is enforceable when the appropriate road signs or markings are displayed.

Local Authorities can use these powers to cover particular hotspots, such as car free zones near schools or larger areas, and need not necessarily prohibit parking at all times – this would very much depend on the wording of the TRO being promoted by the local authority.