Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:30 pm on 15 January 2026.
Audrey Nicoll
Scottish National Party
2:30,
15 January 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the transport secretary has had with the justice secretary regarding action it is taking to tackle freight crime in Scotland. (S6O-05379)
Fiona Hyslop
Scottish National Party
Although the justice secretary and I speak regularly about matters of shared interest, we have not discussed freight crime in Scotland.
Audrey Nicoll
Scottish National Party
Increasing freight crime reporting is a significant challenge for hauliers. The true cost of freight crime is estimated by the national vehicle crime intelligence service to be around £700 million a year and, largely, it is carried out by organised criminal gangs. The second strategic transport projects review included a recommendation for a national audit of freight facilities—specifically, lorry parks and rest areas, which are crucial to drivers’ safety and secure parking.
Given the key role played by our road haulage industry in supporting our economy—not least in the building of new homes, constructing wind farms and improving our national infrastructure, to name but a few—can the Cabinet secretary say more about the progress that is being made following the audit in order to improve safety for hauliers and reduce freight crime across the country?
Fiona Hyslop
Scottish National Party
I am aware of the valuable work of the national vehicle crime intelligence service, which is a United Kingdom national police unit that is funded by commercial companies. I recognise the importance of secure rest and welfare facilities for hauliers across Scotland.
The need for an initial audit of existing facilities was identified as part of the work of the second strategic transport projects review. That work is in its early stages and, rest assured, we shall work with the haulage industry, Police Scotland and other stakeholders on that important matter.
In the near future, I will be meeting the Road Haulage Association, which is one of the largest trade associations for hauliers, regarding the provision of heavy goods vehicle drivers’ welfare, secure facilities and aspects of freight crime.
Sue Webber
Conservative
Logistics UK has highlighted the fact that we are facing a shortage of safe and high-quality truck stops, which are needed for driver dignity as well as for safety. In relation to the Cabinet secretary’s discussions with the justice secretary, another big ask is to have a specific crime code for the recording of retail crime.
Fiona Hyslop
Scottish National Party
Issues to do with the recording of crime codes and all the rest are a matter for the justice secretary and for Police Scotland. The member might want to contact them on that specific issue.
On the member’s point about dignity and respect—and in relation to planning for the future energy needs of HGVs—it is important that we look at the framework for those stops. I know that the UK Government is doing likewise.
The crime figures show that more crime tends to happen around distribution centres and on dense motorway networks such as those in the midlands—not necessarily here. However, we need to be vigilant, and it is important that the members have raised the issue.
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