The M9/A9 Trunk Road (Thurso) (Temporary Prohibition on Use of Road) Order 2024
The Scottish Ministers give notice that they have made the above Order under sections 2(1) and 2(2), 4(1) and 16A of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which will have the effect of temporarily prohibiting vehicles on that length of the M9/A9 Edinburgh – Stirling – Thurso Trunk Road from its junction with Mansons Lane, Thurso in a generally southwards direction in Traill Street to its junction with Sir George’s Street and Sinclair Street, a distance of 105 metres or thereby.
The Order, which is required to facilitate the Thurso Remembrance Parade and Service 2024 and to enable members of the public to participate in this event, will be in operation from 10 November until 11 November 2024 and will only have effect in relation to such part or parts of the length of road as is indicated by the appropriate traffic signs.
The Order does not apply to vehicles while being used in an emergency for fire brigade, ambulance, police or coastguard purposes or a vehicle being used for facilitating the holding of the relevant event.
Alternative routes
The alternative routes for traffic during the prohibition will be signposted. Detailed descriptions can also be obtained at BEAR Scotland Limited, BEAR House, Inveralmond Road, Inveralmond Industrial Estate, Perth, PH1 3TW.
For information about roadworks on motorways and trunk roads visit Traffic Scotland.
A member of the staff of the Scottish Ministers
Transport Scotland
George House
Glasgow
G1 2AD
Statement of Compatibility
Statement Declaration
For SSIs
In accordance with section 23(2) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 (the Act), the Scottish Ministers certify that, in their view, the A9 Trunk Road (Thurso) (Temporary Prohibition on Use of Road) Order 2024 is compatible with the UNCRC requirements.
Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) for (The M9/A9 Trunk Road (Thurso) (Temporary Prohibition on Use of Road) Order 2024)
Disclaimer
This document is a point in time assessment of the likely effects of (The M9/A9 Trunk Road (Thurso) (Temporary Prohibition on Use of Road) Order 2024) on the rights and wellbeing of children and young people. This impact assessment should be read in conjunction with parliamentary/strategic decision-making process prepared for this proposal.
Scottish Government acknowledge the importance of monitoring and evaluating the impact of strategic decisions and legislation on children’s rights and wellbeing. Any information gathered during implementation of the legislation or strategic decision to which the impact assessment relates, will be used to inform future determinations of impact. Any new strategic decision or new legislation (including amending legislation) would be subject to a new CRWIA in line with the legislative requirements.
Introduction
- Brief Summary (Guidance Section 3.2, page 20).
Type of proposal
Applicable answer: SSI
Name the proposal, and describe its overall aims and intended purpose.
Key Term Definitions
Prohibition – to officially and legally not allow something.
Restriction – to officially and legally limit something.
Authorise – to give official permission for something to happen, or to give someone official permission to do something
That the M9/A9 Edinburgh – Stirling - Thurso Trunk Road (Temporary Prohibition on Use of Road) from its junction with Masons Lane, Thurso in a generally southwards direction in Traill Street to its junction with Sir George’s Street and Sinclair Street, a distance of 105 metres or thereby. This means that no person may use or authorise the use of any vehicle on that specific length of road. The only exception being for emergency vehicles and those within the parade. The closure of this section of the A9 it to facilitate the safety of participants and viewers of Thurso Remembrance Day Parade.
Start date of proposal’s development: 10/09/2024
Start date of CRWIA process: 10/09/2024
- With reference given to the requirements of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024, which aspects of the proposal are relevant to children’s rights? (Guidance Section 3.2, pages 20-22).
During the closure of this section of road there will be no impact on children and young people’s ability to access school and/or childcare facilities, higher or further education institutions, hospitals, places used for recreational activity, and places of worship as this is for a short period of time on a weekend. The only aspect relevant to children and young people both directly and in-directly is the positive impact of protecting public safety by restricting use of this section of the carriageway for a period of 3 hours, however the impact is neutral in terms of UNCRC as it does not directly relate to one of the rights set out in the act.
- Please provide a summary of the evidence gathered which will be used to inform your decision-making and the content of the proposal. (Guidance Section 3.2, pages 22-25).
From:
- existing research/reports/policy expertise
- consultation/feedback from stakeholders
- consultation/feedback directly from children and young people
Mapping routes show that the following facilities are not impacted to be accessed by children and young people or their families, carers, representatives etc. as a result of the closure, Miller Academy Primary School, Three Harbours Surgery, Thurso Bowling Club, Thurso Leisure Centre, Caithness Rugby Club and Thurso Library. Therefore, there is no relevance to their rights as set out in the UNCRC Act. Local access routes remain open with a short diversion available, the event is well publicised, the event is taking place for around 3 hours at the weekend, and pedestrians are still able to access all venues by foot.
- Further to the evidence described at ‘3’ have you identified any 'gaps' in evidence which may prevent determination of impact? If yes, please provide an explanation of how they will be addressed (Guidance Section 3.2, page 26).
No
- Analysis of Evidence (Guidance Section 3.2, page 26).
- Whilst the overall impact on general public safety is positive and children will benefit from this, the rights in UNCRC are not directly impacted. What changes (if any) have been made to the proposal as a result of this assessment? (Guidance Section 3.2, page 26)
None
Conclusion
- As a result of the evidence gathered and analysed against all UNCRC requirements, what is the potential overall impact of this proposal on children’s rights? (Guidance Section 3.2, pages 26-27):
(Please choose from positive, negative, neutral or no impact, Please note you can have both a positive and negative impact on children’s rights.)
Children’s Rights
Applicable answer(s): Neutral Impact
- If you have identified a positive impact on children’s rights, please describe below how the proposal will protect, respect, and fulfil children’s rights in Scotland. (Guidance Section 3.2, pages 27-28).
N/A
- If a negative impact has been identified please describe below. Is there a risk this could potentially amount to an incompatibility? (Guidance Section 3.2, pages 28-29).
N/A
Mitigation Record
What options have been considered to modify the proposal in order to mitigate negative impact or potential incompatibility issues?
Please summarise mitigation actions taken below
Issue or risk Identified per article/Optional Protocol
N/A
Action Taken/To Be Taken
N/A
Date action to be taken or was taken
N/A
- As a result of the evidence gathered and analysed against all wellbeing indicators, will the proposal contribute to the wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland? (Guidance Section 3.2, pages 29-30).
(Please choose from yes, no or not applicable)
Applicable answer: No
If yes, please provide and explanation below:
- How will you communicate to children and young people the impact that the proposal will have on their rights? (Guidance Section 3.2, page 31)
The CRWIA will be published and has been written in accessible language so as to allow for children and young people to understand its content and the potential impact (or no impact) on their rights. Post Assessment Review and sign-off.
Post Assessment Review and sign-off
- Planning for the review of impact on children’s rights and wellbeing (Guidance Section 3.2, pages 31).
As part of the decision-making process, plans for reviewing the impact on children’s rights and wellbeing need to be developed.
- How will the impact of the proposal on children’s rights and wellbeing be monitored?
- When will you review and update the CRWIA if required?
Due regard will be given as to the development of any new facilities surrounding the closure area which has the potential to impact children and young people.
- Sign off (Guidance Section 3.2, pages 31-32).
Policy Lead Signature & Date of Sign Off: Graeme Paget – 09/10/2024
Deputy Director Signature & Date of Sign Off: Stuart Wilson - 29/10/24
Date CRWIA team first contacted: