Transport Scotland - A78 accident statistics and speed-limit assessment: EIR release

Information requested

A recent TTRO has been enacted on the A78 covering parts of Wemyss Bay into Skelmorlie.

Can you provide the breakdown the detail of any and all pedestrian accidents in the last 5, 10 and 15 years specifically on this stretch of trunk road including whatever categories are used to record seriousness.

Has there been any pedestrian fatality on this stretch of road in this period?

Also, can you detail the decision making process in making this stretch of road 20mph for this period
- who initiated the discussion
- how was this reviewed
- what consultation was undertaken with local councillors and residents
- Exactly what form will the review take at the end of the TTRO period when determining whether it will be extended?

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.

Q1. Can you provide the breakdown the detail of any and all pedestrian accidents in the last 5, 10 and 15 years specifically on this stretch of trunk road including whatever categories are used to record seriousness.

A1. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance Transport Scotland does not have some of the information you have requested. Therefore we are refusing your request under the exception at regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs.

Transport Scotland does not have some of the information you have requested because records held by Transport Scotland relate only to collisions involving injuries or fatalities that have been reported to, and are known by, Police Scotland. From the records held, we can advise there were no accidents involving a pedestrian on this section of the A78 between 5 April 2011 and 5 April 2026.

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 pedestrian accidents as outlined above, clearly we cannot provide information which we do not hold.

Q2. Has there been any pedestrian fatality on this stretch of road in this period?

A2. Please see Answer 1 above.

Q3. Can you detail the decision making process in making this stretch of road 20mph for this period
(a) who initiated the discussion

A3. (a) The Scottish Government committed to implement 20mph speed limits on those roads where it is appropriate and to do so by the end of March 2026.

(b) how was this reviewed

A3. (b) Assessment criteria were prepared in conjunction with the Scottish Collaboration of Transportation Specialists (SCOTS), Police Scotland, Transport Scotland and various local authorities to identify which roads can be considered as ‘appropriate’.

Existing roads with a 30mph limit were reviewed against these criteria and reduced 20mph limits were proposed where appropriate, taking into account factors such as the level of frontage (buildings etc.) and the presence of education and key community facilities.

Transport Scotland completed this assessment for all existing 30mph speed limits on the trunk road network. The A78 in Wemyss Bay and Skelmorlie, as defined in The A78 Trunk Road (Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay) (Temporary 20mph Speed Restriction) Order 2026, was considered as being appropriate for a 20mph speed limit against these criteria.

(c) what consultation was undertaken with local councillors and residents - Exactly what form will the review take at the end of the TTRO period when determining whether it will be extended.

A3. (c) Information in respect of the procedure for promoting traffic regulation orders can be found here. In relation to this TTRO, consultation was undertaken with statutory consultees (Chief Executive of the Local Authority, Chief Constable of Police Scotland, the Chief Fire Officer and the Road Haulage Association Ltd and if the Order affects roads in a National Park area the National Park Authority).

Transport Scotland met with a number of local authorities, including North Ayrshire Council and Inverclyde Council, to discuss proposals for the 20mph speed limits on the trunk roads based on the findings of the assessment and to take account of local knowledge. Police Scotland were also consulted on the proposals.

The process for monitoring and evaluation can be accessed here: https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/the-implementation-guide-for-20-mph-speed-limits-in-scotland/monitoring-and-evaluation-of-sign-only-20-mph-speed-limit/

If the 20 mph speed limit is deemed successful, a Permanent Traffic Regulation Order (PTRO) will be promoted in accordance with the requirements of the Road Traffic Regulation Act (1984). This process includes public consultation, during which residents and organisations can provide feedback before any permanent change is made.

You may also find some helpful information here regarding the implementation of 20 mph Speed Limits in Scotland.
https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/the-implementation-guide-for-20-mph-speed-limits-in-scotland/

About FOI

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