9.This section sets out the circumstances in which the Scottish Ministers may give directions to specified public bodies in connection with the preparation of a joint transport strategy. The Scottish Ministers will have the power to issue directions in three separate sets of cases, namely:
where no strategy is prepared;
where no strategy is submitted; or
in any other case where, in the opinion of the Scottish Ministers there are exceptional circumstances.
10.Where the Scottish Ministers are of the opinion that there are other exceptional circumstances subsection 2 requires them to consult the public body in question and other appropriate persons before giving a direction under subsection (1). Section 2 is without prejudice to section 211 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c.65). This provides for the Scottish Ministers to order a local inquiry if they believe that a local authority may have failed to do what is statutorily required of them.