Transport Bill published

The Executive's Transport (Scotland) Bill has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament

News, 28 October 2004

---

The Executive's Transport (Scotland) Bill 2004 has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament.

It proposes a number of measures including:
- action to tackle poor road works, with a new Road Works Commissioner and stiffer penalties for delays and low quality resurfacing;
- powers to deliver a national free bus fare schemes for the elderly and the disabled and cheaper travel for young people;
- creation of new regional transport partnerships to deliver public transport and roads improvements.

Transport Minister Nicol Stephen said:

"The Scottish road works commissioner will have new powers to take action and enforce stiffer penalties against negligent contractors.

"New regional transport partnerships will build on the good work of the existing voluntary partnerships and SPT.

"They will have new powers to drive forward a new strategic, regional approach to tackling transport problems in their area. They will also have significant new resources to deliver both public transport and roads projects."

Details on the role of a new national transport agency, directly accountable to Ministers, will be announced shortly.

Legislation is not required to set up an Executive agency. However, legislation is required to set up statutory regional transport partnerships.

Current News 05.09.08 PM changes tack on tax-raising powers Allowing Scottish Parliament more accountability would strengthen the UK, says Brown 05.09.08 Summary justice reform success, claims Angiolini Lord Advocate's letter says figures to date indicate new system working 04.09.08 Advocates in Aberdeen launch new website Internet presence aimed at increasing awareness of Society of Advocates in the north east 04.09.08 Legal profession, local income tax top bill list Scottish Government unveils legislative programme for 2008-09 04.09.08 Step up to associate for Fife lawyer Sue Arrowsmith promoted at Murray Donald Drummond Cook LLP 04.09.08 Prosecution inspectorate publishes annual report Review pending of new fiscal fine system 03.09.08 Society welcomes Legal Profession Bill Hopes that bill will provide for alternative business structures for law firms 03.09.08 'No proof that plaques harmful': insurance lawyers Industry's legal team argue against proposed law extending compensation 03.09.08 Commissioner orders release of tender information Council not justified in claim that Street Outreach documents must be kept secret 02.09.08 Stamp duty break for lower value properties 12-month threshold of £175,000 among government moves to buck up housing market 01.09.08 Government publishes sentencing proposals Judges and sheriffs would need to reveal reasons for departing from guidelines 01.09.08 Revenue reminds of new tax return date 31 October now deadline for paper returns 01.09.08 Blackadders' review results in 44 job losses Two branches also close as firm consolidates to combat property market troubles 01.09.08 Area procurator fiscal appointment for Central Michelle Macleod takes on new role 01.09.08 Partner catch for Ledingham Chalmers Neil Anderson appointed, while Marysia Lewis takes up floating sheriff appointment