Removal, storage and disposal of vehicles regulations: business regulatory impact assessment

3. Section 2: Engagement and information gathering

While the group of stakeholders to which this consultation relates are a small and focused group, pre-consultation activity and engagement within those groups has been extensive.

3.1 Business/Third Sector engagement

Vehicle recovery operators make up the primary business stakeholder and have been consulted extensively, both through the umbrella group the Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators (AVRO) and as individual businesses, through a series of meetings and communications taking place in late 2025 and early 2026. Meetings have included scoping sessions, a Short Life Working Group and a workshop; stakeholders have also provided specific information around the impact on their sector.

3.2 Internal SG Engagement

Transport Scotland have been involved in engagement, including the above meetings and communications. Officials working in rural and islands policy have also been engaged given the possible impact of some of the changes on rural and island communities, including changes to ferry charges. Scottish Government economists and analysts have also been involved in this review.

3.3 UK/ Devolved Administrations

Other administrations in the UK have adopted different approaches to fee uprating. The methodology used elsewhere has not necessarily covered the same time period or the same mix of charging issues as the current Scottish proposals. Scottish Government policy officials have engaged with the UK government to understand their current legislative landscape and position on future changes.

3.4 Wider Public Sector

Given the focused nature of the regulations, there has not been wider engagement with the public sector.

3.5 Other Key Stakeholder

All key stakeholders are covered above.

3.6 Public consultation

A public consultation was undertaken as part of the review of the vehicle recovery legislation to gather views from stakeholders and interested parties on the proposed changes. (section to be updated following the public consultation)