A78 trunk road between Largs & Skelmorlie:EIR release

Information requested

With regards to the A78 trunk road between Largs & Skelmorlie you asked the following:

• "My understanding is that the current order extends to October 2024, 2 months from now. Will the A78 be reinstated to the correct speed limit - 60mph - at this time or do the authorities intend to extend it further.
• We were told certain work was to take place during the period of the speed restriction principally on the barrier between the road and the Firth of Clyde. Has this taken place?
• If not, is there a date when it will take place? (Linked to first question above on whether the order will be extended).
• Will there be consultation with local residents and local councillors this time if Transport Scotland intend to extend the Order, before doing so?"

Response

As the information you have requested is 'environmental information' for the purposes of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs), we are required to deal with your request under those Regulations. We are applying the exemption at section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA), so that we do not also have to deal with your request under FOISA.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption, because there is no public interest in dealing with the same request under two different regimes. This is essentially a technical point and has no material effect on the outcome of your request.

My understanding is that the current order extends to October 2024, 2 months from now. Will the A78 be reinstated to the correct speed limit - 60mph - at this time or do the authorities intend to extend it further? 
Our Operating Company, Amey, reviewed a number of risk areas on the network where it was known that works were required but could not be immediately implemented. Mitigation measures were considered that could be implemented to improve safety at these locations in the short term, pending upgrade or replacement works.

The Temporary Traffic Regulation Order currently in place was implemented for an initial period of 18 months and is due to end in October 2024. Ameys programme of parapet replacements will not be complete until the 27/28 financial year. The current order will be extended to a date currently unknown.

We were told certain work was to take place during the period of the speed restriction, principally on the barrier between the road and the Firth of Clyde. Has this taken place?
As part of the review mentioned above the fence and sea walls at this location were addressed. It was agreed after discussion with Police Scotland that a temporary speed limit should be implemented until such time as the improvement works can be carried out.

The works have not taken place as yet but it is anticipated that they will be carried out in phases with prioritised budget permitting.

If not, is there a date when it will take place? (Linked to first question above on whether the order will be extended).
Works are included within a future maintenance programme but exact dates are unknown at this time.

If the order is to be extended will there be consultation with local residents and local councillors before doing so this time?
Amey will discuss the extension to the Order with Police Scotland and Transport Scotland to agree the programme, requirements and details regarding further speed restriction from October onwards. Elected members will also be consulted and residents will be informed of the proposals.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.