ETI-13 Response Accepted Self-assessed

Utility Diversion Planning

Recommendation

Light rail procurement strategies must adequately address utility location uncertainties, requiring route exposure and clearance well before construction, specifying elapsed time between clearance and commencement, considering route length and past UK experience.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The Scottish Government accepted this recommendation, stating that it 'already operates in line with best practices for governance and light rail delivery.' This indicates a reliance on existing practices rather than new actions. No specific published evidence of new procurement strategies or updated guidance addressing utility location uncertainties, route exposure, or specifying elapsed time between clearance and commencement for light rail projects has been identified since the inquiry report.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 24 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.gov.scot, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Response
Accepted
Accepted Scottish Government
02 Nov 2023

The Scottish Government stated it already operates in line with best practices for governance and light rail delivery. Source: Transport Secretary Statement, 2 November 2023.

Read Full Response
Progress Timeline
Official Report
02 Nov 2023

Initial status based on Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council responses to the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry Report (September 2023).

Source
Report Edinburgh Tram Inquiry Report 01 Aug 2023
Responsible Bodies
Scottish Government Primary
Recommendation age 2.6 yrs
Last formal update 873 days ago