Question reference: S6W-27058
- Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 25 April 2024
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 7 May 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions have taken place with (a) the car hire sector, (b) key local partners and (c) regional partners to examine how tourists and foreign drivers can be better educated on the use of Scotland’s roads, including the A9.
Answer
In 2019, Road Safety Scotland (RSS) partnered with Police Scotland and the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) to develop a campaign targeting foreign drivers/those not familiar with driving on the left. Leaflets, wristbands, and windscreen stickers were provided to car rental companies to distribute to foreign drivers hiring vehicles at airports across Scotland.
In 2023, following Covid, the campaign was revived and further developed, and launched by the Minister for Transport. In addition to the BVRLA route, campaign resources were also made available in Visit Scotland iCentres, airports, ferry ports, and supported by variable message signs on appropriate routes. The wristbands say 'drive on the left' in nine languages, and RSS has also produced reservoir gaiters saying 'ride on the left' in eight languages for use by motorcyclists.
Furthermore, a short, animated video was produced for companies to send to drivers in advance of picking up their vehicles providing information on the use of single track roads and passing places. More information on the campaign can be found here: Driving on the left - Road Safety Scotland