Scottish Road Works Register prescribed fees and UK health and safety law: implications for business planning

Scottish Road Works Register prescribed fees under health and safety law: what duty holders need to know about SRWR updates

What has changed

Under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, Section 112A(1) provides for the Scottish Road Works Commissioner to maintain the Scottish Road Works Register (SRWR). The latest Regulations introduce prescribed fees for the SRWR, creating a clear cost element for organisations that interact with road works data, notices and registrations.

Why it matters for health and safety and regulatory compliance

The SRWR is a key data resource used by utility companies, road authorities, contractors and others planning or performing street works. The introduction of prescribed fees means organisations must consider SRWR costs in budgeting and project planning. Maintaining accurate data and timely submissions supports regulatory compliance and reduces the risk of project disruption due to data or administrative delays.

Where appropriate, organisations can leverage structured management systems to manage these obligations. Synergos Consultancy can support with ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management alignment to embed governance around road works risk and regulatory compliance, and with health and safety risk assessments to reflect SRWR data dependencies in hazard controls.

What organisations should do next

1. Identify all road works projects and operations that require SRWR registration or data submission.
2. Obtain the current SRWR fee schedule and budget for ongoing SRWR costs across programmes and sites.
3. Review governance and approvals to ensure SRWR data needs are integrated into planning, procurement and contract management.
4. Ensure timely SRWR registrations and real time data updates to avoid regulatory friction and project delays.
5. Update risk assessments and safe systems of work to reflect data dependencies and SRWR related controls.
6. Provide training and briefings for project managers and site supervisors on SRWR responsibilities and processes.
7. Consider competent person support for SRWR related governance and align management systems such as ISO 45001 to demonstrate systematic control of road works risk and regulatory compliance.

Enforcement and sanctions

The update establishes a fee regime for the SRWR under the 1991 Act. Specific penalties or sanctions for non compliance are not detailed in the Regulations provided. Organisations should monitor SRWR guidance and ensure ongoing compliance with data submission requirements and fee payments.

Steps to achieve compliance

• Map SRWR obligations across all active road works and related contracts.
• Integrate SRWR fees into project budgets and financial reporting processes.
• Establish procedures for timely data submissions and renewals in the SRWR.
• Update training for staff involved in street works planning, permitting and execution.
• Align with an ISO 45001 based health and safety management system to ensure governance and continuous improvement in regulatory compliance, with Synergos support where needed.

Wrap-up

The introduction of prescribed SRWR fees represents a tangible change to the regulatory landscape for road works. By embedding SRWR obligations into budgeting, governance and risk management, organisations can maintain compliant operations and minimise disruption to projects. Timely planning and proactive monitoring will support a smooth transition and reinforce UK health and safety law expectations.