Tourist drivers and T-plates: Can they improve Highland road safety?

Tourism in the Scottish Highlands is booming.

Since 2012, the region has seen a 64.7% rise in numbers to a massive 8.4 million people in 2023.

Driving on the left – A hidden risk for visitors

But for all the good (and bad) this level of tourism brings, there is one area where significant issues prevail – the road network. Scotland is among the 30% minority of world countries that drive on the left side of the road.

However,  the issue becomes more compounded when you consider that the vast majority of these Highland tourists are coming from countries that drive on the right (Europe and the Americas) and for them, the winding, haggis laden single track trails which make up many routes in the Highlands might as well be Mars.

The rise in tourist-related road collisions

The problem is that the number of crashes caused by motorists driving on the wrong side of the road has increased by 46% in a single year. Figures from Transport Scotland showed there were 35 collisions caused by “inexperience of driving on the left” in 2023, up from 24 the previous year. When asked for commentary on the figures, Road Safety Scotland said there was no clear reason for the increased frequency of crashes. I’m no data scientist but the rise in collisions might, just might, be something to do with the huge increase in people visiting Scotland and driving on Scotland’s roads.

Therefore, the question which presents itself is, what should be done to tackle the problem?

What are T-plates?

How the T-plate idea started

One possible solution has come in the form of a ‘T’ plate. A temporary green ‘T’ sticker which can be affixed to the back of any vehicle, just like an ‘L’ plate. The idea is that of Robert Marshall, a hotelier from Kingussie. Robert drew on his own experience from driving in Tenerife, whilst on holiday.

Stressed out by driving on the opposite side of the road and everybody tailgating him, an idea came to him, “I wish these people knew that I was a tourist!.” The seed of ‘T’ plates was planted and Robert began working up a prototype on his return home.

Are T-plates legal in Scotland?

In fairness to Robert, his solution to the very serious and fatal problem of road traffic collisions in the Scottish Highlands is genius in its simplicity. Robert has achieved something which Transport Scotland would have spent millions of pounds developing, designing and presenting to focus groups up and down the country, so at least the public purse gets a rest there.

Transport Scotland has endorsed the ‘T’ plate campaign and of course, Robert now runs a website where you can purchase a ‘T’ plate, should you wish. However, whether this initiative is going to have any meaningful effect on accident numbers remains to be seen.

It would be easy to dismiss ‘T’ plates as another gimmick that won’t help tackle the rise in collisions resulting from drivers on the wrong side of the road, but I’m supportive. I haven’t come across any better ideas.

Education is the missing piece

As ever with these things, education is key and if people don’t know what a ‘T’ plate is, then they aren’t going to change their driving behaviour. So here it is, my small contribution to the campaign, letting you, dear reader know about it, because every little helps.

Thomas Mitchell
Partner, RTA LAW LLP

Thomas specialises in road traffic accident litigation and fatal accident claims across Scotland. He regularly comments on road safety issues affecting rural and tourist-heavy areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a T-plate in Scotland?
A T-plate is a green “T” sign displayed on a vehicle to indicate the driver is a tourist who may be unfamiliar with driving on the left.

Q: Are T-plates compulsory in Scotland?
No. T-plates are voluntary and currently intended as an awareness tool rather than a legal requirement.

Q: Why are tourist drivers more at risk in the Highlands?
Narrow single-track roads, unfamiliar signage, and driving on the opposite side of the road significantly increase risk.