12Examination of proposals
(1)This section applies where a local authority proposes to make, amend or revoke a low emission zone scheme.
(2)Either—
(a)the local authority making the proposal, or
(b)the Scottish Ministers,
may (if it or they consider it appropriate) appoint a person (“the reporter”) to carry out an examination of, and prepare a report on, the proposal or any aspect of it.
(3)The reporter may carry out an examination in such manner as the reporter considers appropriate and may, in particular, do so by means of—
(a)consideration of written representations only,
(b)conducting a hearing at which a person who has made representations in respect of the proposal may be given an opportunity to appear and be heard, or
(c)holding an inquiry into the proposal.
(4)Subsections (3) to (5) of section 210 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (provisions relating to local inquiries) apply in relation to a hearing or inquiry under subsection (3) of this section as they apply in relation to an inquiry under that Act.
(5)Where an examination is to be carried out, the local authority may not proceed with the proposal until the examination has been completed.
(6)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision in relation to examinations to be carried out under this section.
(7)Without limit to that generality, such regulations may make provision—
(a)about who may be appointed to carry out an examination under this section,
(b)about the procedure for examinations under this section and, in particular, in relation to—
(i)any representations which are (or are not) to be taken into account,
(ii)who may appear at a hearing or inquiry,
(iii)the procedure for the conduct of any hearing or inquiry,
(iv)things which must be done in preparation for, or following, a hearing or inquiry,
(c)in relation to the financial aspects of an examination and, in particular, about the payment of remuneration, costs and expenses,
(d)in relation to the report to be prepared including, in particular, its form, content and publication.