Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance

FOREWORD

The Scottish Government will continue to invest in Scotland’s transport infrastructure and services to facilitate the achievement of the Government’s purpose which is:

‘to focus the Government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth’.

The Government’s particular transport purpose is to focus investment on making connections across and with Scotland better, improving reliability and journey times, and seeking to maximise the opportunities for employment, business, leisure and tourism. Additionally, to provide sustainable, integrated and cost effective public transport alternatives to the private car, connecting people, places and work, across Scotland.

Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) supports the Government’s Purpose and National Outcomes by assessing what contribution can be made by potential transport interventions.

The Guidance was first published in September 2003, and I commend this refreshed version to you, reflecting feedback from a range of transport practitioners and decision makers.

I expect this Guidance to be followed by all those wanting to invest in transport, whether that is the Scottish Government itself, Regional Transport Partnerships, local authorities, private companies or others. In particular, the objective led framework recommended here is seen as best practice in transport appraisal internationally. Following these principles, as set out in the Guidance, will ensure that the best solutions to transport problems or opportunities to make transport improvements are taken forward, based on robust evidence.

Stewart Stevenson
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change