The STPR is a wide ranging study and it is natural that many queries will be raised into how it is being done, when it will report and what it might produce.
The questions and answers provided below seek to answer some of the more commonly raised queries.
What is the STPR?
The STPR is the process of developing and delivering a programme of nationally significant measures and initiatives which support the Government’s Purpose. This programme will outline the spending priorities for national transport interventions beyond the current budget periods.
Who is undertaking the STPR?
The STPR is being managed by Transport Scotland, an agency of the Scottish Government. Transport Scotland reports to Scottish Minister’s. Transport Scotland is being supported by consultants from Jacobs, Faber Maunsell, Tribal and Grant Thornton.
Why is the STPR being undertaken?
The Scottish Government has established its key Purpose as promoting the nation’s sustainable economic growth. The STPR is identifying those nationally significant transport interventions that best contribute to achieving this up to 2022.
When will STPR be completed?
STPR is reporting its initial findings to Scottish Ministers in the summer of 2008. Drafting of the Summary Report has commenced and Ministers are being advised of the emerging, initial findings.
What time period does STPR cover?
The current STPR covers the period from 2012 to 2022. This is not, however, a self contained or isolated timescale, for a number of reasons:
- Firstly, significant investment is already programmed prior to 2012. This will help support the Government’s Economic Strategy and the National transport Strategy (NTS) in any event
- Secondly, the rate of delivery of the proposed measures will depend on the funding available at the time
- Finally, investment in the nation’s transport infrastructure will continue after 2022 as new priorities emerge.
How is the STPR being conducted?
The STPR is being completed using Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) methodologies. STAG is a appraisal process, which allows a comparative assessment of potential options across a range of transport modes and against a range of criteria.
Importantly, STAG is an evidence based and objective led process. In general, this means that any option developed from a STAG appraisal should:
- be clearly linked to the real issue(s) it is intended to address
- be clearly measurable in terms of its relative performance (compared to other potential options) and absolute performance against objectives linked to the issues, and
- be capable of practicable and economical delivery.
Does the STPR include all modes of travel?
It focuses on strategic land based interventions, primarily road and rail based, within Scotland. It does not address air or sea based transport, which are the subject of other strategies.
Does the STPR include all scales of transport?
It focuses on nationally significant interventions that most effectively support the Government’s purpose. It will not, therefore, include those proposals or opportunities that fall exclusively within the remits of Local Authorities or impact generally at a regional level.
Why do we need a Review at all?
The Strategic Transport Projects Review will build on the current delivery programme and identify the investment plan that will be required to best deliver the Government’s purpose and the National Transport Strategy beyond the currently committed programme to at least 2022. It provides a sound, evidence base in which transport can make a strong bid for funding required in subsequent spending reviews.
What happens to interventions or projects that do not meet the objectives and assessment criteria for the STPR?
Interventions or projects that do not meet this criteria may be justifiable projects in their own right, satisfying a local or specific problem on the transport network but not making a significant contribution at the National level. Such interventions might be considered for funding by the Scottish Government if they provide value for money and meet an identified need on the transport network.
How long will it take? Why does it take so long?
The initial findings are being reported during the summer of 2008.
The Review has required detailed technical analysis of existing and future performance of the transport network across modes; and appraisal of potential options to address gaps/shortfalls across the whole of Scotland. This is the core of the STAG approach.
When will Ministers make their decisions?
Ministers are being advised of the emerging, initial findings of the STPR. It is expected that the outcomes of the STPR will be announced by the end of the year. It is too early to specify a date, as the conclusion of the study will depend on a variety of factors.
How does this fit with the National Transport Strategy?
The STPR will consider the transport infrastructure requirements necessary to deliver the key strategic outcomes arising from the National Transport Strategy, which in turn supports the Government’s Economic strategy.
How does this fit with the National Planning Framework?
The STPR is being undertaken over the same general timescale as the National Planning Framework (NPF2). The teams undertaking the STPR and NPF2 are in close communication to ensure the best possible synergy between the two.
Will the environmental impact of the recommendation be taken into account?
Yes. A Strategic Environmental Assessment is being carried out to ensure that the potential impacts on the environment are fully considered during the development of the programme.
Will you make the consultant’s reports publicly available?
It is intended to place them on the TS website (www.transportscotland.gov.uk) once they have been considered by Ministers.
What role will the Regional Transport Partnerships play in this Review?
Regional Transport Partnerships are an important key stakeholder in this Review and are one of five Reference Groups being consulted. We have engaged the RTP’s individually and collectively to ensure that their interests are considered.
The RTP’s own draft transport strategies have been closely considered to see what strategic interventions might best add value to the regionally significant projects identified. Larger regional projects which have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to Scotland’s economy may be considered for inclusion within the STPR.
Who do the Reference Groups represent?
The Reference Groups consist of the following broad interests: Regional Transport Partnerships; Structure Plan authorities; Enterprise, Business and Freight interests; Environmental Interests and a Public Transport and Mobility interests.
