Transport Scotland is undertaking the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR); to define the most appropriate strategic investments in Scotland’s national transport network from 2012 until 2022.
STPR - Outline
Work on the STPR started in summer 2006 and the review is currently in the process of concluding the final STAG based appraisals. Drafting of the Summary Report has commenced and Ministers are being advised of the emerging, initial findings.
Depending on the outcome of their considerations, it is anticipated that there will be an announcement in Parliament later this year followed by an eight week consultation period on the Strategic Environmental Assessment and supporting documents.
The STPR report will make recommendations on a portfolio of land-based strategic transport interventions to be taken forward between 2012 and 2022. This will establish the basis for the ongoing development of Scotland’s transport infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st Century.
The STPR will focus on identifying those interventions that most effectively contribute towards the Government’s Purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth. This Purpose and its supporting objectives are set out in the Government’s Economic Strategy.
The STPR complements both the emerging National Planning Framework 2 and the delivery of the three strategic outcomes identified in the National Transport Strategy:
- improving journey times and connections – to tackle congestion and the lack of integration and connections in transport which impact on our high level objectives for economic growth, social inclusion, integration and safety
- reducing emissions – to tackle the issues of climate change, air quality and health improvement which impact on our high level objective for protecting the environment and improving health, and
- improving quality, accessibility and affordability – to give people a choice of public transport, where availability means better quality transport services and value for money or an alternative to the car.
The STPR is being undertaken using an objective led, evidence based approach to appraise potential means of addressing transport issues. This approach is compatible with Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) methodology. This approach is essential both in ensuring that the national priorities of a Wealthier and Fairer, Healthier, Safer and Stronger, Smarter and Greener Scotland are met and that investment is targeted on those measures that most effectively support improving Scotland’s sustainable economic development.
The outcome of the STPR is based on a tiered approach to investment, structured around the priorities of:
- maintaining and safely operating existing assets
- promoting a range of measures, including innovative solutions, that make better use of existing capacity; and
- promoting targeted infrastructure improvements where these are necessary, affordable and practicable.
This approach will make best use of limited resources and ensures new infrastructure is identified only after other interventions have been appraised and considered. It also promotes and supports a more sustainable transport network by encouraging efficient use of existing resources in preference to the capacity increases that may be associated with new infrastructure.
To identify the measures most likely to achieve this, the STPR is:
- looking at what the picture of transport might look like in the future and identifying the issues this creates in terms of achieving the Government’s Purpose
- allowing a range of interventions, covering a variety of modes across Scotland, to be judged comparatively on their merits; specifically in terms of their ability to address these issues and support the Government’s Purpose, and
- prioritising investment to meet the Governments Purpose and the complementary objectives of the National Transport Strategy.
The STPR is not considering air or sea based proposals. It will, however, ensure we have efficient and effective access to our international gateways and lifeline services such as ports and airports where these support the Government’s Purpose. Whilst the STPR will not make specific recommendations about cross border rail or air services, as these are not within the current powers of the Scottish Government, Scottish Minister’s will seek opportunities to pursue improvements to these services in this context.
The portfolio of land based interventions resulting from the STPR will encompass a variety of proposals, ranging from national programmes of improvements through upgrades of existing infrastructure and, lastly, to the provision of new infrastructure or services where these are appropriate.
It is expected that the STPR will not specifically include interventions that are the responsibility of Local Authorities and Regional Transport Partnerships to develop and deliver. It is recognised, however, that a range of delivery partners will be needed for measures which address both national and local objectives.
