Scottish Ministers: South East Scotland Trunk Roads Order 2026 Enacts Traffic Rules

• The South East Scotland Trunk Roads (Temporary Prohibitions of Traffic and Overtaking and Temporary Speed Restrictions) (No. 10) Order 2026 is Scottish Statutory Instrument 2026/292.
• This order, enacted by Scottish Ministers, becomes effective on November 1, 2026, and will remain in force for 18 months.
• It permits temporary traffic prohibitions, overtaking bans, and reduced speed limits on trunk roads across South East Scotland.
• The measures are intended to ensure safety and facilitate essential maintenance and improvement works on the road network.
• Road users and businesses should monitor local signage for specific, active restrictions and adjust travel plans accordingly.

Lawyers advising transport, logistics, or construction clients operating in South East Scotland must review this temporary order to ensure compliance with new traffic prohibitions, overtaking restrictions, and speed limits, and to update operational plans or advise on potential delays.

The Scottish Ministers have enacted a new legal instrument, officially titled The South East Scotland Trunk Roads (Temporary Prohibitions of Traffic and Overtaking and Temporary Speed Restrictions) (No. 10) Order 2026. This order, identified as Scottish Statutory Instrument 2026/292, is designed to facilitate the safe execution of essential maintenance, repair, and improvement works across the trunk road network within the South East Scotland region.

Coming into force on November 1, 2026, the order establishes a framework for temporary traffic management measures. While the order itself will remain active for a period of 18 months from its commencement date, specific prohibitions and restrictions will only be implemented on designated road sections as and when required for works, clearly indicated by appropriate signage.

These temporary measures encompass a range of controls, including outright prohibitions on vehicular traffic, restrictions on overtaking maneuvers, and the imposition of reduced speed limits. The overarching goal is to ensure the safety of both road users and construction personnel during periods of active roadworks.

The authority for issuing such an order stems from Section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, empowering the Scottish Ministers to implement temporary traffic regulations for reasons such as roadworks or public safety. This specific instrument focuses exclusively on the trunk roads managed within the geographical confines of South East Scotland, ensuring a targeted approach to infrastructure upkeep.

Under the terms of the order, traffic prohibitions may involve full road closures, partial lane closures, or diversions, depending on the nature and extent of the works. Overtaking will be temporarily banned on sections where it is deemed unsafe due to ongoing operations or narrowed carriageways. Furthermore, speed limits will be temporarily reduced, typically to 30 mph or 40 mph, from the prevailing national speed limits to enhance safety and control vehicle flow through work zones.

Crucially, the order includes provisions for exemptions. Vehicles actively engaged in the roadworks, emergency service vehicles, and those granted explicit permission by Police Scotland or the relevant road operating company are generally exempt from the prohibitions. This ensures that essential services and the works themselves can proceed unimpeded.

The implementation of this temporary order will have direct implications for all road users traversing the South East Scotland trunk road network, particularly commuters, haulage companies, and logistics providers. The potential for delays and the necessity for route adjustments will be a recurring factor during the 18-month period the order is in effect, whenever specific restrictions are active.

Businesses involved in transport, logistics, or construction operating within South East Scotland must proactively review their operational plans to account for these potential disruptions. Adherence to the temporary signage and regulations enforced by Police Scotland and road operating companies is paramount for both safety and legal compliance, with penalties applicable for non-observance.

Lawyers advising transport, logistics, or construction clients operating in South East Scotland must review this temporary order to ensure compliance with new traffic prohibitions, overtaking restrictions, and speed limits, and to update operational plans or advise on potential delays. Understanding the nuances of Scottish Statutory Instrument 2026/292 is vital for mitigating risks and maintaining efficient operations throughout the affected period.

Lawyers advising transport, logistics, or construction clients operating in South East Scotland must review this temporary order to ensure compliance with new traffic prohibitions, overtaking restrictions, and speed limits, and to update operational plans or advise on potential delays.

Source: Original reporting on Scottish Statutory Instrument 2026/292