Agenda Document Pack - Roads Safety Forum - 27/05/2025
South Lanarkshire Council · 27 May 2025
Back to Roads Safety Forum — 27 May 2025 and its agenda
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Monday, 19 May 2025 Dear Councillor Roads Safety Forum The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Forum to be held as follows:- Date: Tuesday, 27 May 2025 Time: 10:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Chief Executive Members Davie McLachlan (Chair), Margaret Cowie (Depute Chair), John Anderson, Ralph Barker, Colin Dewar, Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Susan Kerr, Julia Marrs, Kenny McCreary, Norman Rae Substitutes Walter Brogan, Robert Brown, Janine Calikes, Richard Lockhart, Eileen Logan, Helen Toner 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Roads Safety Forum held on 11 March 2025 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 3 - 8 Item(s) for Consideration 3 Capital Programme of Road Safety Engineering Projects 2025/2026 Report dated 9 May 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 9 - 16 4 School Travel Works- Initiatives Report dated 9 May 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 17 - 24 5 Police Scotland – Lanarkshire Division Road Safety Update Report dated 25 April 2025 by L Hinshelwood, Local Authority Liaison Officer, Police Scotland. (Copy attached) 25 - 28 6 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) – South Lanarkshire Area Road Safety Update Report dated 8 May 2025 by P Duncan, Local Authority Liaison Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. (Copy attached) 29 - 32 Urgent Business 7 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Carol Lyon Clerk Telephone: 07385370065 Clerk Email: carol.lyon@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 2
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ROADS SAFETY FORUM Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 11 March 2025 Chair: Councillor Davie McLachlan Councillors Present: Councillor John Anderson, Councillor Ralph Barker, Councillor Margaret Cowie (Depute), Councillor Colin Dewar, Councillor Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Councillor Susan Kerr, Councillor Julia Marrs, Councillor Kenny McCreary. Councillor Norman Rae Attending: Community and Enterprise Resources S Laird, Engineering Manager; C Park, Head of Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services; J Plant, Traffic and Transportation Team Leader; C Smith, Engineering Officer Education Resources F Roach, Central Support Services Coordinator Finance and Corporate Resources B Hall, Administration Officer; C Lyon, Administration Officer; N Tollan, Administration Assistant Also Attending: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service C Harden, Watch Commander, Local Authority Liaison Officer Police Scotland L Hinshelwood, Local Authority Liaison Officer 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Roads Safety Forum held on 1 October 2024 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Forum decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 National Speed Management Review Consultation A report dated 21 February 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the Scottish Government’s consultation on the National Speed Limit Review in Scotland. Transport Scotland launched a consultation on the National Speed Management Review to gather public and stakeholder input on proposed changes to Scotland’s speed limits. The review sought to ensure speed limits on Scotland’s roads were appropriate and helped to contribute to a reduction in injury and death on our roads. The consultation closed on 5 March 2025 and the Council’s response, which was sent prior to the closing date, was attached as Appendix 1 to the report. Given the timing of the consultation, the Council’s response was sent as a preliminary response. 2 3
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Officers responded to a member’s question on the report. The Forum decided: that the preliminary response to the consultation be noted, with any subsequent comments to be forwarded to Transport Scotland for consideration. 4 Road Accident Casualty Statistics for 2024 A report dated 17 February 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the road accident casualty statistics for the Council during 2024. The statistics highlighted that between 2023 and 2024:- the total number of fatal casualties had increased from 7 to 9 the total number of serious casualties was 130, which was an increase of 6 from 2023 there were no fatal child casualties during 2024, no change for the sixth year the total number of serious child casualties had decreased from 22 to 8 the total number of slight casualties had decreased from 238 to 233 The figures provided for 2024 were provisional on the basis that the police could add to or amend the records over the coming months. The confirmed figures would be published by the Scottish Government in October 2025 in ‘Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2024’. In February 2021, the Scottish Government published ‘Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030’, which set out an ambitious long-term goal where no one was seriously injured or killed on Scotland’s roads by 2050. Adjusted figures had been sourced from Transport Scotland with regards to baseline figures to fully allow the tracking of the Council’s contribution to the national casualty reduction targets. This information was required due to the changes in data collection from 2019 onwards following the introduction of the Collision Recording and Sharing platform (CRaSH) used by Police Scotland to record and collate data. This had resulted in more casualties being classified as serious and had consequently caused a discontinuity in the time series with adjusted figures having to be used. The statistics for all fatal, serious and slight casualties, including child fatal and serious casualties, within South Lanarkshire from 2014 to 2024 were provided in Appendix A to the report. The 2030 targeted figures were also included. A graph of overall yearly casualty figures had also been provided showing data from 2005 to 2024 in Appendix B to the report. National targets for specific user groups/ages had been set, as detailed at section 3.5 of the report. Agreement had been made that causation factors relating to those would be investigated and presented to the Forum annually and this information was provided in appendices C to J of the report for the period 2022 to 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic and the implications thereafter had a significant impact on casualty numbers from 2020 onwards. This would continue to be considered in relation to current trends in travel patterns and frequency. Officers responded to a member’s question on the report. The Forum decided: that the contents of the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 7 May 2024 (Paragraph 3)] 4
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5 Priority Road Safety Engineering Projects 2025/2026 A report dated 17 February 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the proposed priority road safety initiatives 2025/2026. The Council’s Local Transport Strategy identified a number of road safety policies and actions to contribute towards the achievement of the 2030 national casualty reduction targets. The Council targeted resources and improvements where 3 or more injury accidents had occurred in the previous 3 years, or on routes that had an injury accident rate greater than the national average for that type of route. As a result, the Council delivered annual prioritised road safety improvements at identified accident locations/routes/areas. On 21 November 2023, the Forum was advised of the methodology used to identify where road accidents were occurring in South Lanarkshire and how the information was used to prioritise identified accident locations and then prioritise the Capital Programme of Road Safety Engineering Works. Section 4 of the report provided an update on the recently completed Route Action Plan Assessments and details on the recently concluded annual Single Site Assessments. Focus would also be placed on the following vulnerable road user groups/ages to coincide and contribute to the targeted casualty reductions sought within the new Framework:- children road users aged 70 and over pedestrians road users aged between 17 to 25 cyclists motorcyclists areas of highest deprivation Information was provided on:- the completion of route action plan assessments for rural class A and B routes, which had resulted in 3 locations, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, being identified for investigation the completion of single site assessments, which had resulted in 3 locations, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, being identified for investigation a range of further actions spanning education, engineering, enforcement and encouragement which would be considered in conjunction with partners, as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report The projects identified would be developed further and, where works or initiatives would be taken forward, they would be prioritised through the Scottish Government Road Safety Improvement Fund. No grant funding had been received from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) in 2024/2025. It was still to be confirmed whether any funds would be available for 2025/2026. Officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. The Forum decided: (1) that the report be noted; and (2) that it be noted that the priority projects identified would be progressed and implemented in line with available funding. [Reference: Minutes of 20 February 2024 (Paragraph 5) and 21 November 2023 (Paragraph 3)] 5
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6 Police Scotland - Lanarkshire Division Road Safety Update A report dated 18 February 2025 by the Local Authority Liaison Officer, Police Scotland was submitted on national and local road safety campaigns. An update was provided on local and national issues, as detailed in Section 4.1 of the report. Details were also provided on the following Road Safety campaigns from January to March 2025:- National Seatbelt Campaign which ran from 13 to 19 January 2025 Commercial Vehicles Campaign which ran from 27 January to 9 February 2025 Vulnerable Road Users Campaign which ran from 3 to 9 March 2025 National Speed Campaign which would run from 17 to 23 March 2025 The report provided details on road safety and road crime incidents for the period April to December 2024 and a comparison with the figures for the same period last year. The statistics to December 2024 showed a 57% increase in speeding and a 30% increase in driving under the influence. The Forum decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 1 October 2024 (Paragraph 5)] 7 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) – South Lanarkshire Area Road Safety Update A report dated 18 February 2025 by the Local Authority Liaison Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was submitted on national and local road safety campaigns. Details were provided as follows on road traffic incidents attended by SFRS for Quarter 2 (Q2) in 2024/2025 and compared with data for Q2 in the previous year:- there had been a decrease of 6 road traffic collisions (RTCs) from 39 in the same reporting period last year there had been 22 non-fatal casualties from RTCs, a decrease of 14 from the same reporting period last year, which had been spread across South Lanarkshire there had been 2 fatal casualties from RTCs within South Lanarkshire, a decrease of 1 for the same reporting period last year National campaigns were detailed at paragraph 4.5 of the report. Details were also provided on Community Action Team Activities in Q2 2024/2025 and on future engagements. Officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. The Forum decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 1 October 2024 (Paragraph 6)] 9 Item of Urgent Business – Pavement Parking In response to a request from the Chair for an update on pavement parking, Officers advised that:- soft enforcement had taken place since January 2025 by issuing advisory notices 6
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as a result of the soft enforcement, the service has received 600 enquiries of the 600 enquiries, 80% requested action to be enforced and 20% requested no action and that their street be exempt the service had appointed external consultants to complete a desktop exemptions exercise and some further analysis was still required over 2,500 advisory notices had already been issued the soft approach would conclude imminently, and penalty notices would begin to be issued but a sensible and balanced approach would be adopted lineage and signage for exempt streets would also require to be looked at The Forum decided: that the update be noted. 7
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Roads Safety Forum Date of Meeting: 27 May 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Capital Programme of Road Safety Engineering Projects 2025/2026 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] inform the Forum of the developing and emerging Capital Programme of Road Safety Engineering Works for 2025/2026 that will contribute to achieving government casualty reduction targets [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Forum is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the contents of the Capital Programme of Road Safety Engineering Works for 2025/2026 be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The Council’s Local Transport Strategy identifies several road safety policies and actions. Consequently, the Council seeks to reduce the number and severity of casualties within South Lanarkshire and contribute towards the achievement of 2030 national casualty reduction targets. 3.2. The Council assesses road safety enquiries and target resources and improvements where three or more injury accidents have occurred in the previous three years or on routes that have an injury accident rate greater than the national average for the type of route. 3.3. As a result, the Council delivers annual prioritised road safety improvements at identified accident locations, routes, or areas. Funding is secured from several sources on an annual basis to deliver numerous projects and initiatives. 3.4. The Road Safety Forum, at its meeting of 21 November 2023, supported the methodology used to identify where road accidents are occurring in South Lanarkshire, how the information is used to prioritise identified accident locations and how tables are produced annually to prioritise the Capital Programme of Road Safety Engineering Works. 3 9
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4. Route Action Plan Assessment 4.1. The annual assessment of rural A class and B class routes has been completed, and several locations were identified for detailed investigations. A total of 31 sections currently have an accident rate greater than the national average and of these we proposed to investigate 3 locations; this was detailed at the Roads Safety Forum meeting of 11 March 2025. The initial outcome of these investigations and actions are detailed below with estimated costs provided in Appendix 1. These costs and options are subject to further design and refinement. Works will subsequently be instructed and programmed in line with available funding over the course of 2025/2026. 4.2. A721 Newbigging to Elsrickle The A721 is a well utilised single carriageway A class road. The national speed limit of 60mph for a single carriageway applies to this section. This is a predominantly straight route with a small number of bends that are appropriately signed. There are private accesses and junctions from this road and the route features relevant road signage, chevron signs, verge marker posts/access marker posts and road studs along the route from previous road safety route action treatment. The package of proposed works includes upgrading the existing chevrons with yellow backing boards, upgrading the existing bend warning signage to include yellow backing boards and refurbishment of the road markings at the sections (bends) where anti-skid has been applied. 4.3. B743 Strathaven to Council Boundary The B743 is a very well utilised single carriageway B class road which runs through rural land connecting Strathaven with Muirkirk in East Ayrshire. The B743 is derestricted and subject to a national speed limit. The overall geometry of the road contains a series of sharp bends with sections of long straights. It has steep inclines and steep declines with poor visibility splays along the majority of the route. Previous route action treatment has incorporated a range of features along the route such as warning signage, various carriageway markings and lining, carriageway centreline warning and no overtaking markings, road studs, junction access marker bollards and verge marker posts. The outcome of investigations propose the provision of High PSV Stone surfacing at bends where categorisation of the bend, using set assessment criteria, justifies such treatment. This scheme of works will also include the renewal of existing road markings and road studs where required. This is a continuation of works from the 2024/2025 financial year where one bend was treated. In addition to the engineering works outlined above, as there has been a high proportion of the accidents involving motorcyclists, we are working in partnership with Police Scotland on a potential joint initiative to highlight appropriate driving behaviours on this section of the network. Finally, consideration is being given to the provision of markings which guide motorcyclists through bends. 4.4. A70 Rigside to Hyndford The A70 is a well utilised single carriageway A class road. This route is derestricted and subject to a national speed limit. This features lengths of straight route as well as several bends that are appropriately signed. The route has been subject to road safety works in previous years such as the provision of road studs and gateway features including countdown marker signage and coloured carriageway surfacing. 10
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Carriageway resurfacing works are planned for a section of the A70, as well as routine patching works at 2 junctions and a refresh of the gateway feature road markings (on entry to Rigside). Additionally, the replacement of damaged crash barrier at the gateway signs into Rigside is scheduled. It is proposed that that these maintenance works will be taken forward this financial year with no further road safety improvement works planned for this route. Monitoring will continue. 5 Single Site Assessment 5.1. The annual assessment of single site locations identified that 15 locations have 3 or more injury accidents occurring in the previous 3 years. 3 locations were proposed to be assessed in detail as noted at the Roads Safety Forum meeting of 11 March 2025. Investigations and option developments are ongoing, and considerations are detailed below with estimated costs provided in Appendix 2. Works will subsequently be instructed and programmed in accordance with available funding and final option choices. 5.2. A730 Mill Street at Main Street/Burnhill Street signalised junction, Rutherglen Various options are being considered at this location which includes providing improved pedestrian signage for using the underpass and improvements to overhead footway lighting and underpass lighting. Further investigation is required to determine the potential and justification for the introduction of a crossing point, either controlled or uncontrolled, at the west side on Burnhill Street. Traffic detection upgrades using AI camera technology may also prove beneficial, however, this requires to be considered upon conclusion of works proposed and progressed at this site. 5.3. A724 Main Street at/near Bridge Street, Cambuslang Traffic signals were upgraded during 2022, therefore, no additional signals work is needed. Further monitoring will be undertaken to determine whether additional measures such as coloured surfacing, to clearly establish crossing points, or whether no waiting/no loading restrictions on the offside lanes between Bridge Street and West Coats Road would be beneficial. 5.4. B764 Eaglesham Road at Westwood Road roundabout, East Kilbride This roundabout junction forms part of the Eaglesham Road corridor which has been identified as an early priority route for Active Travel Infrastructure (ATI). Options include an active travel junction; signing renewal; and pedestrian/cycle crossing measures, respectively. It is currently envisaged that initial works will involve an increase to the width of the roundabout splitter island on the Westwood Road arm of the junction to improve visibility. Further design work is ongoing as part of wider active travel corridor improvements along this corridor. 6. Other Measures and Actions 6.1. A variety of additional projects are being actively progressed, as detailed within sections 7 to 10 of this paper, which are expected to contribute to the reduction of casualties across our road network 7. Traffic Signals/Pedestrian Crossings 7.1. Within South Lanarkshire there are over 200 signal installations. These preferably require to be upgraded and replaced every 15 to 20 years and a replacement programme is ongoing. New installations feature up to date vehicular and pedestrian detection and tactile paving, revised timings and dropped kerbs are also provided to meet current standards. 11
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7.2. Several traffic signal upgrade works, and the introduction of new infrastructure are being progressed during the financial year, contributing to the creation of a safer and more efficient road network. 8. Engineering Measures at Schools 8.1. Measures identified through ongoing School Travel Plan developments, or other means, typically including revised crossing points, footway extensions, enhanced or additional signage, road markings, or other interventions, will be evaluated and implemented in accordance with available funding. These measures will contribute to improved road safety and network efficiency. 8.2. The projects listed below are examples of identified measures for implementation with others to be progressed as further School Travel Plans or general enquiries and investigations are undertaken:- Howieshill Road at Hamilton Road, Cambuslang – footway build out with tactiles West Coats Primary School, Cambuslang – provision of on-street disabled bay on West Coats Road Crosshouse Primary School, East Kilbride – double yellow lining around the mini- roundabout perimeter 9. Active Travel Schemes 9.1. Active Travel Schemes continue to be developed and progressed in line with available funding, with these projects also considering road safety measures to create safer and more assessable environments for all road users. 9.2. This includes the identification of Car Free Zones for consideration at other schools in the Council area, national cycle route accessibility improvements and route developments, cycle/scooter parking at schools, and the application for funds to progress the design and consultation of several active travel network plans and active travel corridors. 10. Connected Vehicle Data 10.1. It is our intention to use a proportion of Scottish Government’s Road Safety Improvement Fund to access a connected vehicle data analysis tool, and to trial the use of this information. Connected vehicle data refers to the information collected from vehicles equipped with sensors and communication technologies. This data includes details about vehicle location, speed, braking patterns, and other driving behaviours. 10.2. Analysis of this data can highlight potential higher-risk areas on the network, such as locations with frequent harsh braking events, and provide related information to better understand road conditions. This can enable the proactive identification of areas of risk, potential collision locations, and can guide decisions to improve road safety using this data from vehicles travelling on our roads. 10.3. Subject to approval by Transport Scotland, this data analysis tool will be considered for integration within our standard approaches to casualty reduction, as outlined in this report, on a trial basis. 11. Employee Implications 11.1. There are no employee implications associated with this report. 12
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12. Financial Implications 12.1. The projects discussed in sections 4, 5, and 10 of this report (route action plan assessment, single site assessment and connected vehicle data) are being developed, with resultant works or initiatives taken prioritised and funded through the Scottish Government Grant: Road Safety Improvement Fund. This is expected to be approximately £633,000 for financial year 2025/2026. Works may require to be undertaken in stages as suitable grant funding becomes available or project costs become more defined. Other items will be funded through various streams as works programmes and budget allocations are confirmed. 13. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 13.1. There are no significant implications in terms of climate change, sustainability and environmental implications associated with this report. 14. Other Implications 14.1. There are no significant risks or other implications associated with this report. 15. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 15.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function, or strategy and therefore, no integrated impact assessment or consultation arrangements are required. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 9 May 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Accountable, effective, efficient, and transparent Ambitious, self-aware, and improving Fair, open and sustainable We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress, and improve Our children and young people thrive Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Previous References Roads Safety Forum, 11 March 2025, Priority Road Safety Engineering Projects 2025/2026 Roads Safety Forum, 21 November 2023, Approach to Casualty Reduction List of Background Papers Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 Route Action Plan Priority Table 2025/2026 Single Site Priority Table 2025/2026 13
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Contact for Further Information If you would like inspect any of the background papers or want any further information, please contact: - Colin Smith, Engineering Officer Ext: 0738 537 0113 E-mail: colin.smith@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 14
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Appendix 1 – Route Action Locations (A and B Class Roads) Route Start Point End Point Action Identified Indicative Cost A721 Newbigging Elsrickle Y Package of works: £55,000. Upgrading the existing chevrons with yellow backing boards, upgrading the existing bend warning signage to include yellow backing boards and refurbishment of the road markings at the sections (bends) where anti-skid has been applied. B743 Strathaven Council Boundary Y High friction surfacing at bends, renewal of existing road markings and road studs where required. Consideration of motorcycle guide markings. Bend treatment works: £570,000 A70 Rigside Hyndford N Planning resurfacing works are scheduled for a section of the A70, as well as routine patching works at two junctions and a refresh of the gateway feature road markings (on entry to Rigside). Additionally, the replacement of damaged crash barrier at the gateway signs into Rigside is scheduled. Appendix 2 – Single Site Locations Location Road Class Built Up/ Non Built up Action Identified Indicative Cost A730 Mill Street at Main Street/ Burnhill Street signalised junction, Rutherglen A BU Y Options under consideration: Pedestrian signage and upgrade to existing lighting/ new lighting points: £20,000 New pedestrian crossing point - £80,000 (depending on type of crossing) Traffic detection upgrades - £15,000 A724 Main Street at / near Bridge Street, Cambuslang A BU Y £10,000 coloured surfacing and introduction of waiting/loading restrictions. B764 Eaglesham Road at Westwood Road roundabout, East Kilbride B BU Y Pedestrian / cycle crossing measures - £50,000 15
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Roads Safety Forum Date of Meeting: 27 May 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: School Travel Works/Initiatives 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise the Forum of the School Travel Plan programme within South Lanarkshire 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Forum is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the contents of the report be noted, and the development of future School Travel Plans be supported. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The School Travel Plan process is available to all schools with support of resources to assist with the creation or review of a School Travel Plan. 3.2. A School Travel Plan’s aims include - to foster and enhance more sustainable journeys to observe a rise in walking, cycling, and scooting to and from school levels working towards lowering air pollution with a view to impacting on clearer air quality focusing on the road safety of the general school environment 3.3. A School Travel Plan template and sample offer a structure to follow with surveys available for pupils, parents, and staff to engage with the school community. Surveys are accessible in three format options consisting of paper, survey link or QR Code. Completion of the surveys establishes current travel modes, attitudes towards active travel and road safety during the school-run, as well as asking about initiatives such as the Walking Bus, Cycle Train and Park and Stride options. 3.4. On conclusion of the surveys, reports for pupils, parents and staff surveys are collated and a meeting is organised with the school to discuss the next steps. The survey results allow the ‘targets and initiatives’ section to be created alongside a ‘programme of implementation’, with a timescale included. 3.5. There are many local and national campaigns, linking to sustainable travel and road safety themes, which assist with School Travel Plan targets and initiatives set by schools that are also discussed. 4 17
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3.6. The inclusion of the whole school community in the School Travel Plan process is key to establishing a rise in walking, cycling, scooting levels and to address road safety issues and concerns within the wider school community. In creating a joint approach it is desired that a decline in the number of vehicles in and surrounding the school facility, aiding to a safer, less congested environment with cleaner air could be achieved. 3.7. The completion of a School Travel Plan will result in the establishment receiving a ‘School Travel Plan Award’ certificate, banner, and postcards to raise awareness, as well as ongoing support with implementing their School Travel Plan. The is a five step process to obtain the School Travel Plan award, as noted below. 1. Start with a meeting with your School Travel Plan Co-ordinator. 2. Talk about different initiatives and resources available for your school. 3. Engage with parents, pupils, and staff to complete questionnaires. 4. Plan initiatives and targets for implementation. 5. School Travel Plan completed, reviewed, and implemented. 3.8. 83 schools have now completed their School Travel Plan with a futher 55 schools at various stages of development. 3.9. Traffic Management Audits are undertaken by colleagues in Health and Safety for all school campuses. This audit focuses on the internal school grounds, however this also considers the immediate external environment including vehicular and pedestrian movements. Audit standards are reviewed for each school with observation visits and findings incorporating both internal and external factors recorded. A school having a current School Travel Plan in place features as an Audit Standard. Recommendations are advised following site visits by the Health and Safety Officer with the required corrective actions or investigations detailed within the written report. This process includes liaison with the Roads Service for matters external to the school grounds, which are often included or progressed via the wider School Travel Plan process. 3.10. Regular communication and updates regarding local and national campaigns is undertaken between the Traffic and Transportation team and schools. Any school specific issues identified to the Traffic and Transportation team through enquiries are also raised with Head Teachers to highlight the matters and to ask for assistance in communication with parents/guardians. In tandem, the offer of resources such as leaflets, banners or social media graphics is made to the school via the Traffic and Transportation Section. 3.11. Examples of schools who have completed their School Travel Plans are Neilsland Primary School and Burgh Primary School. 3.12. Neilsland Primary School, Hamilton introduced their plan in May 2024. Their key initiatives, objectives and targets are delivered through school assemblies, Junior Road Safety Officers, newsletters, and school’s social media platforms. These are:- encouraging walking to school - with an objective to reduce congestion around the school at peak times Park and Stride Initiative - encouraging parents to park further away from the school and walk the rest of the way, reducing traffic around the school and contributing to making the routes safer for pedestrians encouraging cycles and scooters as transport to school - increasing the health and fitness of pupils and to promote cycling or similar as fun activities and lifelong skills 18
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Road Safety Education - continuing regular road safety education and road safety awareness amongst pupils and parents Park Smart and safe around the school - encouraging safe parking around the school at drop off and pick up times 3.13. Burgh Primary School in Rutherglen completed their School Travel Plan and held a school assembly in January 2025 to launch a review. This process included the schools Junior Road Safety Officers and JRSO Co-ordinator who discussed various road safety topics and ideas to take forward. Action points taken forward from their School Travel Plan Review include:- School Car Park safety and usage - continue to monitor use of our car park to ensure only authorised staff / visitor are using the car park Parking Bollards at the rear of the school allow the additional parking spaces to be used - make sure that these are continued to be accessible for staff to use Junior Road Safety Officer scheme will be ongoing - events such as school assemblies and competitions, visiting the JRSO Open Day at Chatelherault Country Park, plus holding an annual ‘be safe be seen day’ in November Continue Curriculum for Excellence Road Safety initiative Living Streets Travel Tracker scheme for the whole school - encourage more pupils to walk or park and stride A whole school competition to design a ‘safe parking’ banner to display at the school gates 4. Starting School Resource 4.1. All primary schools are contacted to offer them the Starting School resource for their new primary 1 intake. The interactive booklet resource unfolds into an illustrated A2 poster, with activities and information designed to connect both pupils and parents in discussion. This covers important road safety topics, including journey planning, holding hands, the Green Cross Code, school gate parking and in-car safety. 4.2. A total of 85 schools were provided with this resource in spring/ summer 2024 with 77 schools currently requesting materials which will be provided during spring/summer 2025. This resource is often provided at parent information sessions/transition sessions. 5. South Lanarkshire Council WOW – Walk Once a Week/Walk on Wednesday 5.1. The continuation of this WOW scheme has enabled Primary 5 pupils to maintain their focus on and recording of travel modes to school. WOW resources consist of an A3 poster and four A3 seasonal wall charts. During the academic year, four incentive ‘rewards’ are obtainable for pupils who can achieve their walking/cycling/scooting aims once a week. It is acknowledged that not all children are able to walk/wheel/cycle or scoot to school and Park and Stride option is an acceptable suitable alternative. 5.2. Aimed specifically at Primary 5, this year group has been chosen due to their ability for future independent travel and to inspire sustainable travel. The scheme not only helps to reduce the number of vehicles who are driven to school but increases physical activity and reduces emissions contributory to climate change goals. 5.3. WOW registration information is shared with all schools annually during June and August. An opportunity to register is also available at a Junior Road Safety Officer Open Day held in September each year. A member of school staff is nominated to be the point of contact for all WOW correspondence. 19
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5.4. A total of 34 schools registered for the scheme in 2023/2024 with 55 schools registered for the scheme in 2024/2025. 6. Living Streets Travel Tracker – WOW – The Walk to School Challenge 6.1. The Travel Tracker enables schools to track their modes of travel and link this with other school health and active travel related programmes, including their School Travel Plan objectives. The logged data is used to validate pupil’s eligibility for a reward badge which is distributed to those who have been able to travel sustainably each month. 6.2. Delivered by Living Streets this project aims to lower school-run car use and congestion. 21 primary schools have been accessing the Living Streets on-line platform to record their daily travel modes to school. These schools have the support of Living Street’s Scotland Schools Co-ordinator continues to support South Lanarkshire schools and provides activity such as WOW launch assemblies and WOW Ambassador Training for senior pupils. 6.3. Numerous key achievements and highlights from schools have been noted. At St. Blane’s Primary School, High Blantyre, the WOW Ambassadors, teachers, and pupils have been tracking journey’s, achieving the second highest rates of active travel in South Lanarkshire and being placed second on the Local Leaderboard during the World Book Day WOW Top Ten. 6.4. The WOW Top Ten (WTT) competition is run multiple times throughout the year to provide incentive and competition between schools to track the most active journeys and earn prizes. For example, during the spring term, World Book Day WTT and a week-long Spring WTT took place. Lanark Primary School not only topped the Local Leaderboard for the World Book Day WTT but also came second on the national leaderboard, winning themselves a set of bookmarks and a certificate. 7. National Walk to School Week 7.1. Living Streets National Walk to School Week 2025 took place between 19 to 23 May with the overall theme ‘The Great Space Walk’. Pupils learned about the important reasons to walk or wheel and its benefits for individuals, communities, and the planet. Daily themes were:- Day 1 - Mental Health: Children will learn how walking or wheeling is a great way to clear our heads and lift our spirits, arriving to school happy, refreshed, and ready to learn Day 2- Physical Health: Children will learn how great walking to school is for our bodies and the incredible impact movement can have on our physical health Day 3 - Sustainability: Children will learn about the importance of sustainability and the impact walking to school can have on the planet Day 4 - Road Safety: Children will learn how walking to school helps reduce the number of cars in the road making our streets less busy ad safer for everyone Day 5 - Community: Pupils will learn how walking to school gives us an opportunity to get to know our surroundings, the people who live around us and the important role we all play as part of our communities 7.2. This was promoted to schools with a number of establishments receiving classroom packs consisting of wallcharts, stickers, and other resources to help promote active travel during this week. 20
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8. Cycling Scotland - Cycle Friendly and Social Housing Development Fund 8.1. Through successful applications to Cycling Scotland’s Cycle Friendly and Social Housing Development Fund, funding was secured for the installation of new cycle and scooter parking and shelters, as well as repairs to several existing shelters. 8.2. The following works will be implemented during spring/summer 2025: - Leadhills Primary School - shelter with cycle hoops and scooter parking St. Charles’ Primary School, Newton - shelter with cycle hoops and scooter parking West Coats Primary School, Cambuslang – shelter with cycle hoops and scooter parking High Blantyre Primary School - perspex panel replacement Milton Primary School, Lesmahagow – recladding of existing shelter Muiredge Primary School, Uddingston – perspex panel replacement Wester Overton Primary School, Strathaven – perspex panel replacement 8.3. Future discussions will identify suitable schools for new or additional cycle/scooter parking and shelters and assist with formulating potential funding applications. 9. Sustrans Annual ‘Hands Up’ Travel Survey 9.1. Sustrans Annual Travel Survey takes place annually on the second week of September. All schools and nurseries are requested to submit their data on-line for their pupils, with results thereafter published as an official statistic. The data is used by Sustrans, the UK’s sustainable transport charity to collate findings on travel modes across Scotland for the Scottish Government. Pupils are asked ‘How do you normally travel to school’ with pupils choosing from the following options: - walk, cycle, scoot/ skate, park and stride (driven most of the way and then walked the rest), driven, bus, taxi and other on any one day during the survey week. 9.2. The Hands Up Scotland Survey National Summary Survey for 2023 showed 483,160 school and nursery children took part in the survey from 3,229 schools and nurseries across the country. This included 29,642 South Lanarkshire school and nursery children. The 2023 survey had 74 nurseries, 101 primary schools, 12 secondary and 2 Additional Support Needs schools taking part. 9.3. Modal share for all school types (excluding nursery pupils) for South Lanarkshire recorded the following:- Walk = 37.7% Cycle = 3.5% Scooter/Skate = 2.7% Park and Stride = 11.1% Driven = 25.7% Bus = 16.2% Taxi = 2.8% Other = 0.3% 9.4. Travelling to primary or secondary school by active or public transport by pupils (excluding nursery pupils) was recorded at 60.1%. This figure is a slight increase of 0.2% when compared to the 2022 data which was 59.9% (37.3% walked, 3% cycled, 2.6% by scooter/skate and 17% by bus.) 21
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9.5. National Results for 2023 for all school pupil responses, excluding nursery pupils, were detailed as follows:- Walk = 41.3% Cycle = 4.7% Scooter/Skate = 3.3% Park and Stride = 9.7% Driven = 22.5% Bus = 16.4% Taxi = 1.6% Other = 0.6% 9.6. For travel nationally, the percentage of children travelling to primary and secondary school by active or public transport (excluding nursery pupils) in 2023 was 65.7% (41.3% walked, 4.7% cycled, 3.3% by scooter / skate and 16.4% by bus) and in 2022 was 65.2%, showing a 0.5% increase. 9.7. Each year, a detailed local authority level information Excel spreadsheet is provided to the Council, for internal use. This is a helpful tool with the data assisting in a variety of projects including School Travel Plan development and review work, funding bids and used as a monitoring tool for schools for comparison of previous years data. 9.8. Sustrans Annual Travel Hands Up Survey week 2024 took place during the week commencing 9 September 2024. All schools and nurseries were asked to complete the Hands Up Survey, on any one day during this week. Finalised data is expected to be published around late May 2025. Further information can be found at https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/projects/hands-up-scotland-survey/ 10. Employee Implications 10.1. There are no employee implications associated with this report. 11. Financial Implications 11.1. Items within this report were funded though the Council’s revenue budget apart from items 6 and 7 which were funded by Living Streets and item 8 which was funded by a Cycling Scotland grant. A range of promotional items or campaign assets are available from Road Safety Scotland which are ordered when required, free of charge, dependant on availability. 12. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 12.1. There are no significant implications in terms of climate change, sustainability and environmental implications associated with this report. It should be noted, however, that the active and sustainable travel schemes may have a positive impact on the environment by reducing reliance on private vehicles, supporting South Lanarkshire’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. Reduced motorised vehicle journeys will improve health and wellbeing, whilst reducing on fossil fuels, and supports improvements in air quality through reduced vehicle emissions. 13. Other Implications 13.1. There are no significant risks or other implications associated with this report. 22
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14. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 14.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function, or strategy and therefore, no integrated impact assessment or consultation arrangements are required. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 9 May 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Accountable, effective, efficient, and transparent Ambitious, self-aware, and improving Fair, open and sustainable We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress, and improve Our children and young people thrive Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Previous References Roads Safety Forum, ‘School Travel Works/ Initiatives’, 20 February 2024 Roads Safety Forum, ‘Education, Training and Publicity Initiatives’, 1 October 2024 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect any of the background papers or want any further information, please contact: - Colin Smith, Engineering Officer Ext: 0738 537 0113 E-mail: colin.smith@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 23
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OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS Report Agenda Item Report to: Roads Safety Forum Date of Meeting: 27 May 2025 Report by: Lorna Hinshelwood, Partner Liaison Officer Police Scotland Subject: Police Scotland – Lanarkshire Division Road Safety Update 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] update the Roads Safety Forum on forthcoming campaigns discuss ongoing national and local campaigns [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Forum is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the information set out in this report in relation to road safety campaigns be noted; and (2) that the verbal update regarding the road safety campaigns be noted. [ 3. Background 3.1. In terms of the remit of the South Lanarkshire Roads Safety Forum, it has been agreed that Police Scotland will provide routine updates on national and local issues and campaigns relating to keeping people living and working in South Lanarkshire safer on our roads. 4. Local and National issues 4.1. The National Road Policing Campaign calendar has recently been refreshed to only include high level national campaigns and National Police Chief Council Led, UK wide initiatives. This refreshed approach enables Roads Policing Inspectors to direct activities relevant to their local area, with a focus on addressing causation factors of collisions within the division. As such, Roads Policing speeding complaints will generally be motorways and rural roads with a speed limit in excess of 30 miles per hour. The exceptions to this are roads subject to a 30 mph limit which is supported by historical killed/seriously injured collision data. The light nights and better weather bring a seasonal increase in the use of motorbikes on our roads. Lanarkshire Road Policing Officers routinely target roads across South Lanarkshire which are frequently used by motorbikes, highlighting the risks, educating drivers and offering positive reinforcement through road checks. Where offenses are detected, enforcement action is taken. 5 25
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OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS No notable trends identified for the last quarter. Motorcyclist and pedestrian fatalities increasing in the last year has been noted and will form the core of engagement work in the coming year. 4.2. Notable detections/criminal use of the roads Vehicle Stopped in Cambuslang Road, Rutherglen for routine check. Subsequent search recovered herbal cannabis with a street value of approximately £68,000. M74 J13, vehicle stopped by OCCTU. 1kg Heroin recovered, street value approximately £31,000. M74 J7, vehicle stopped by OCCTU. Subsequent search recovered 5kg of Cocaine, approximately street value £200,000. Road Safety campaigns from April to November 2025 as follows: - 1st to 28th April – Fatal Five Campaign. Focus on Drink/Drug Driving, Careless/Dangerous Driving, Mobile Phones, Speed and Seatbelts. 21st March to 26th September – National Motorcycle Safety Campaign. Loose The Blinkers, Close Pass and monthly action plan to service local complaints. 4.3. Synopsis of stats Road Safety South Lanarkshire April 2024 – March 2025 April 2023 – March 2025 % change Speeding 576 406 +41.8% Dangerous Driving 207 200 +3.5% Drink / Drug Driving 493 402 +22.6% Seat Belts 63 46 +36.9% Mobile Phone 127 123 +3.25% 4.4. Lanarkshire Division are committed to ensuring the road network is safe along with partners and the Road Safety Governance Board who have oversight of reviewing all road crashes and offending to provide a proportionate response to any concerns, trends or patterns identified. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no employee implications. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. There are no financial implications. 26
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OFFICIAL: POLICE AND PARTNERS 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no significant implications in terms of climate change, sustainability and environmental issues associated with this report. 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no implications for risk in terms of the information contained within this report. 9. Integrated Impact Assessments and Consultation Requirements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function, or strategy, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 9.2. There was no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Lorna Hinshelwood Local Authority Liaison Officer Police Scotland 25 April 2025 Previous References Roads Safety Forum – 11 March 2025 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like any further information, please contact: - Lorna Hinshelwood Sergeant - Police Scotland Partner Liaison Officer South Lanarkshire Council Mobile 07341790306 E-mail Lorna.hinshelwood@scotland.pnn.police.uk 27
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Roads Safety Forum Date of Meeting: 27 May 2025 Report by: Local Authority Liaison Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Subject: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) – South Lanarkshire Area Road Safety Update 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] update the Roads Safety Forum on forthcoming campaigns discuss ongoing national and local campaigns [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Forum is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [r (1) that the information set out in this report in relation road safety campaigns be noted; and (2) that the verbal update regarding these road safety campaigns be noted. [ 3. Background 3.1. In terms of the remit of the South Lanarkshire Roads Safety Forum, it has been agreed that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will provide routine updates on national and local issues and campaigns relating to keeping people living and working in South Lanarkshire safer on our roads. 4. Local and National issues 4.1. SFRS attended a total of 41 RTC’s in Q3 of 2024/2025. This is an increase of 3 from 38 in the same reporting period of 2023/2024. Locality Breakdown Q3 2024/2025 Locality Number of RTC’s Number of Fatalities Number of Casualties CamGlen 2 0 1 Clydesdale 13 1 9 East Kilbride 14 1 9 Hamilton 12 0 11 Total 41 2 30 6 29
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4.2. There were 30 non-fatal casualties, most commonly in the Hamilton Locality. We have recorded an overall decrease of 14 down from 44 from the same reporting period last year. 4.3. During Q3 2024/2025 we recorded 2 fatalities from RTC’s within South Lanarkshire which is an increase of 1 compared to the corresponding quarter as last year. Both fatalities were private cars from separate incidents in November. 4.4. SFRS Lanarkshire Service Delivery Area is committed to ensuring the road network is safe. Where trends are identified, a proportionate engagement plan will be created and implemented along with partners and the Road Safety Governance Board. SFRS Incident Data SFRS Incident Data Relating to RTC’s Q3 23/24 Q3 24/25 % change Total number of RTC’s 38 41 8% Incidents with a fatality 1 2 100% Total number of fatalities 1 2 100% Non-fatal casualties 44 30 -32% South Lanarkshire Community Safety Activities in Q3 2024/2025 SHIELD Workshop – Restorative Justice/Community Payback session in October. 2 Biker Down Sessions to 26 motorcyclists. The main aim of Biker Down is to reduce motorcycle fatalities and casualties on the roads throughout Scotland. Another aim is to highlight how those on two wheels can be more easily identified by other road users to make it less likely that they themselves will become a casualty. Riders are given potential lifesaving skills to help them make the scene of a collision safe and protect a casualty. Drive to Arrive Road Safety Presentation to 75 S5/6 pupils at Biggar High School. Drive to Arrive Road Safety Presentation to 55 S5/6 pupils at Calderglen High School. Road Safety Presentation including VR Headsets delivered to the Morrisons Energy Services, 95 employees engaged with over 3 days. 4.5. National Campaigns from Road Safety Scotland Keep Your Mind on the Road – 80% of road users say they have experienced distraction while on the road. 38% of those admitting their minds regularly wandered to other activities, tasks, or plans. 44% of distracted Pedestrians admit to reporting a near miss with a vehicle. Remember, it’s None for the Road – One drink can put a driver over the limit. £5000 fine, up to 6 months in prison, 12 month driving ban and a criminal record. Driving Tired Kills – Leads to High Impact Collisions. Fatigue was identified as a contributory factor in 17% of all fatal road collisions in Scotland. 30
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Seatbelts Campaign – On average 13% of those killed over last 5 years were not wearing a seatbelt. Young drivers country roads campaign – Country/Rural roads account for approximately 60% of all fatalities on Scotland’s roads. 5. Future Engagements 5.1. During Q4 Lanarkshire’s Community Action Team will continue to deliver the Road Safety message via our Virtual Reality based presentations to local High Schools, Young Drivers and third sector groups. These members of staff are now able to focus their efforts on engaging with young drivers and those identified through partnership working to deliver road safety education. 5.2. Our Youth Volunteer Scheme has 16 young people from across Lanarkshire and surrounding areas that have been carefully identified to take part in the three-year rolling scheme. Road Safety forms an integral part of this course. 5.3. Our Fire Reach courses are in place within South Lanarkshire and young people from across the area have been carefully identified to take part in the weeks course with Road Safety forming an integral part of this course. South Lanarkshire funding will allow us to run approximately 6 courses over the financial year. 5.4. SHIELD Workshops for Community Payback will continue to be ran when referrals are made. Road Safety forms an important part of this message. 5.5. 6 members of the Community Action Team will be Good Egg trained, this allows them to correctly demonstrate the fitting of car seats and will be running car seat fitting events using this training. 5.6. More events planned with The Morrisons Group. 5.7. Members of the Community Action Team to attend a 2 Day Safe System training, this is delivered by Road Safety Scotland. 6. Employee Implications 6.1. There are no employee implications. 7. Financial Implications 7.1. There are no financial implications. 8. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 8.1. There are no significant implications in terms of climate change, sustainability and environmental issues associated with this report. 9. Other Implications 9.1. There are no implications for risk in terms of the information contained within this report. 10. Integrated Impact Assessments and Consultation Requirements 10.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy therefore, no impact assessment is required. 31
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10.2. There was not requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Paul Duncan Local Authority Liaison Officer Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 8 May 2025 Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like any further information, please contact:- Paul Duncan Watch Commander – Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Area Liaison Officer South Lanarkshire Mob 07867 158 574 E-mail paul.duncan@firescotland.gov.uk 32