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In general, bridges should:

Be fit for purpose. Bridges should be built of suitable materials that will not result in pollution of the water environment. They should be an appropriate width for their use, e.g. cattle crossing / quad bike crossing

Follow best practice on bridge design and construction in relation to the environment. Refer to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's Good Practice Guide for River Crossings for further information.

Be safe. Bridges can become slippery and it is good practice to install cross batons or cover the bridge with mesh wire.

Where possible avoid working on the banks or the bed of the watercourse. Where construction will take place on the banks or bed an authorisation may be required from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Comply with the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR). For further information refer to the Controlled Activities Regulations Practical Guide. CAR General Binding Rule 6 covers the construction of minor bridges with no construction on the bed or banks of the watercourse:

• vegetation may be removed from the banks only if the works cannot otherwise be reasonably carried out
• vegetation that is removed must not be disposed of into the channel
• the works must not prevent the free passage of migratory fish
• the works must not result in the narrowing of the channel width or the heightening of any bank.
• work in the channel must not be carried out when fish are likely to be spawning in the affected surface water, or in the period between spawning and the subsequent emergence of juvenile fish. (If in doubt about these times, you are advised to contact your local District Salmon Fishery Board or Fishery Trusts16 for advice)
• if necessary, a temporary culvert extending no more than 10 metres along the length of the river, burn or ditch may be installed to facilitate the works and any such culvert must be removed on completion of the works
• all reasonable steps must be taken to ensure that the works do not result in increased erosion of the bed and banks
• as far as reasonably practicable, within 12 months of the work starting, the bed and banks of the river, burn or ditch must be reinstated at least to their condition before the works started
• as far as reasonably practicable, within 12 months of removal of a temporary bridge, the bed and banks must be reinstated at least to their condition before the works started
• the activity must not result in pollution of the water environment
• any outfall and associated works must be designed and constructed to be no larger than is necessary for the proper operation of the outfall, and in any case must not extend more than 20 metres along the length of the watercourse

• Controlled Activities Regulations - A Practical Guide. SEPA, 2021
• Good Practice Guide – River Crossings. (WAT-SG-25) SEPA, 2010
• Working in or near Lochs and Rivers
• Farming and Water Scotland

Section	Changes
What needs to be done	Updated links to Good Practice guide for River Crossings and Controlled Activities Regulations practical guide in December 21
Further information	Updated links to Good Practice guide for River Crossings and Controlled Activities Regulations practical guide. Removal of Pollution Prevention Guideline 5: Works or Maintenance near or in Water SEPA, 2007. Insertion of link to Working in or near Lochs and Rivers in December 21

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