The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland General Regulatory Chamber Parking and Bus Lane Appeals (Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2020

Procedure at hearing

13.—(1) At the beginning of the hearing the First-tier Tribunal must explain the procedure which it proposes to adopt.

(2) A hearing must be held in public unless the First-tier Tribunal, on its own initiative or on an application by an appellant, decides that it is necessary to do otherwise to ensure a fair hearing.

(3) The First-tier Tribunal may, with the agreement of both parties, receive evidence by telephone, through a video link or by using any other method of communication if the First-tier Tribunal is satisfied that this would not prejudice the administration of justice and that there is no important public interest consideration which requires a hearing in person.

(4) The First-tier Tribunal may, with the agreement of both parties, permit any other person to attend the hearing of an appeal which is held in private.

(5) The First-tier Tribunal may exclude from the hearing of an appeal, or part of it, any person whose conduct has disrupted or is likely, in the opinion of the First-tier Tribunal, to disrupt the hearing.

(6) Subject to paragraph (7), at the hearing of an appeal a party may conduct the case themselves (with the assistance of any person the party may wish) or may appear and be represented by any person whether or not legally qualified.

(7) If the First-tier Tribunal is satisfied that there are good and sufficient reasons for doing so, it may refuse to permit a particular person to assist or represent a party at the hearing.

(8) At the hearing of an appeal—

(a) the parties are entitled to give evidence, to call witnesses, to question any witnesses and to address the First-tier Tribunal both on the evidence and generally on the subject matter of the appeal, and

(b) the First-tier Tribunal may receive, and take account of, evidence of any fact which appears to it to be relevant notwithstanding that such evidence would be inadmissible in civil proceedings in Scotland.