Scotland’s traffic commissioner in Commonwealth Games warning

The traffic commissioner for Scotland, Joan Aitken, has written to every HGV, bus and coach operator in the country about the potential impact of the forthcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games on CV operators and their activities.

The letters provide details of the dates affected by the games, and restrictions on vehicle movements and deliveries across the Greater Glasgow area, and in other access roads and locations.

Operators would need to start planning immediately if they were likely to be affected by the games, Aitken said – adding that O-licence changes are unlikely to be required, except for those running local bus services for which registrations may need to be amended.

“Bus operators in particular will want to check if they have enough buses to run any additional services during the Games – particularly as the organisers are encouraging the use of public transport by visitors,” the TC’s office said.

“Operators are also advised to check staffing levels, especially for drivers, and ensure that punctuality levels will not be affected by congestion or planned closures that have been notified by the organisers in advance.”

Aitken also urged operators to check official websites for information on the Games, and to begin discussions with customers about how to manage any impact. Assistance from industry trade bodies was available for licence-holders, she added.

Said Aitken: “Haulage, bus and coach operators will be vital to the smooth running of the Games so I want to make sure that all those who are involved and may be affected are looking at the Games routes and the days affected.”

“My message is: plan ahead and do it now. Find out how you will be affected by road closures and parking restrictions and on road events. It will be business as very unusual for those in Greater Glasgow this summer. Don’t get wrong-footed.”