Average HGV numbers on Scottish Trunk Network: EIR release

Information requested

"Scotland National average of HGVs on the Scottish Trunk Network? In addition the HGV percentage on the all of the A75, and A77 trunk roads? In both directions of travel, and how does these figure compare to those on the English Network? "

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.

The Scottish national average of HGV’s on the Trunk Road Network for the period 2019 was 14.0%.  For the same 2019 period, the A75 westbound was 20.4%, and eastbound 21.0%, and the A77 northbound 13.3%, and southbound 13.6%.

In respect of data for the English network, while our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance Transport Scotland does not have the information you have requested. Therefore we are refusing this part of your request under the exception at regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs. This is because we do not hold traffic information in relation to the English network. 

This exception 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 exception. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exception. While we recognise that there may be some public interest in information about HGV percentages on the English network, clearly we cannot provide information which we do not hold. However, you may wish to contact Highways England who may be able to help you by providing this information. Further information on how to do this can be found at https://www.gov.uk/make-a-freedom-of-information-request.

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.