On this page:

Who Does What

Who is responsible?

Road safety covers a wide range of issues and involves a range of organisations with different responsibilities. 20mph Sign

The Scottish Government is responsible for:

  • National road safety education and publicity initiatives
  • Safety measures on trunk roads, including speed limits and pedestrian crossings
  • Legislation on traffic calming and road humps
  • Guidance to local authorities on a range of road safety issues

Local authorities are responsible for road safety on local roads in their area. They can introduce a wide range of measures including:

  • Speed limits
  • Traffic calming and road humps
  • School crossing patrols
  • Pedestrian crossings
  • Local road safety education and publicity initiatives

Police forces are responsible for the enforcement of road traffic law

The UK Government's Department for Transport is responsible for:

  • Road safety education and publicity initiatives (Link to DfT Road Safety info)
  • Driver training and testing
  • Driver and vehicle licensing
  • Vehicle standards
  • Drink and drug driving
  • National speed limits
  • Road traffic offences and penalties

Page updated: Thursday, April 23, 2009