Question reference: S5W-32078
- Date lodged: 25 September 2020
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 9 October 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that companies responsible for trunk road maintenance discharge the terms of their contracts with it.
Answer
Transport Scotland holds regular contractual and programming meetings with the Operating Companies to discuss delivery, including any performance issues identified.
Transport Scotland is supported by the Performance Audit Group (PAG). PAG’s role is to independently audit, monitor and report on the financial, technical and performance aspects of the Operating Companies to ensure standards are being met. This involves more than 60 detailed audits, 400 monitoring exercises and 150 site visits each year. PAG also reviews payment requests from the Operating Companies and carries out inter-unit comparisons.
Supported by this information, Transport Scotland can scrutinise Operating Companies’ performance and discuss and agree measures to be put in place to resolve issues. When deemed necessary, remedial measures available under the contract are employed, including financial deductions.