Temporary traffic and speed restrictions on Scotland trunk roads: implications for UK health and safety law and business compliance

Temporary traffic and speed restrictions on Scotland trunk roads: implications for UK health and safety law and business compliance

What has changed

The South West Scotland Trunk Roads (Temporary Prohibitions of Traffic and Overtaking and Temporary Speed Restrictions) (No. 2) Order 2026 introduces temporary prohibitions of traffic and overtaking, along with temporary speed restrictions, on selected Scotland trunk roads. The order is enacted to manage road works, incidents or safety risks on the network and operates for defined periods as directed by the relevant highway authority.

Why this matters

For organisations with vehicles, drivers or site access that rely on trunk road routes, the order affects route planning, delivery windows and emergency response times. Non‑compliance with road restrictions can create traffic hazards, disrupt supply chains and create liability under HSE requirements where journeys expose workers to heightened risk. Businesses should treat these changes as a live risk in transport and wider health and safety risk management.

Who is affected

The changes primarily impact logistics providers, field service engineers, construction and utilities contractors, fleet operators and any organisation that relies on trunk road access for routine operations or critical deliveries in Scotland.

Key duties for employers

• Review and update transport risk assessments to reflect temporary prohibitions and speed restrictions on affected routes
• Revise travel policies and delivery planning to avoid restricted sections and to respect timetables
• Communicate road restrictions and safe driving expectations to all drivers and contractors
• Evaluate contractor arrangements and ensure subcontractors are aware of the restrictions
• Coordinate with highway authorities and customers to align schedules and manage risk
• Integrate the changes into your health and safety management system, ideally aligning with ISO 45001

Enforcement and sanctions

Road restrictions are enforceable by highway authorities and police. Non‑compliance can lead to penalties and increased exposure to liability under health and safety and road traffic laws, with potential implications for insurance and contractual obligations.

Steps to achieve compliance

1. Map affected trunk road sections and identify dates/times of restrictions
2. Update risk assessments to cover driving and delivery activities on the restricted routes
3. Adjust schedules, routes and contractor plans to avoid peak restriction periods
4. Provide updated guidance and training for drivers and site teams
5. Review contractor management and procurement for adherence to restrictions
6. Regularly monitor road authority communications for changes to the order and respond promptly
7. Document governance and maintain records to demonstrate compliance

What organisations should do next

Establish a cross‑functional review to incorporate the new restrictions into governance, risk management and operational planning. Engaging a competent person for transport risk and aligning your management system with ISO 45001 can help sustain ongoing regulatory compliance and robust risk control. For ongoing support, consider resources such as ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management.

In summary, the order underscores the need for proactive route planning, worker communication and governance to protect people and maintain business continuity under UK health and safety law.

Wrap up

Temporary trunk road restrictions are a practical reminder that road safety, transport risk and organisational governance remain core elements of regulatory compliance. By integrating the change into risk assessments, training and contractor management, organisations can minimise disruption and demonstrate due regard for HSE requirements.