9.2.2.15 Freight Benefits

The inclusion of freight user benefits should not be used other than those delivered through operating cost and time savings.

Changes to the transport network which impact on freight can affect businesses and the economy in two ways:

• Cost changes - any change to freight operating costs as a result of a transport intervention is transferred to the recipient and eventually the consumer; and
• Production changes - changes in freight provision which allow firms to improve their production results in greater output and therefore consumption within the economy.

When assessing the costs and benefits of any potential transport option, the current STAG methodology already takes account of key factors such as the value of time, vehicle operating costs and network characteristics. Consequently, the first impact is already well accounted for in any transport appraisal assuming the correct data defining actual and projected freight traffic is input into the assessment.

The second impact has traditionally been difficult to capture within appraisals and often ignored. It should be pointed out that this was an issue which related not only to freight, but to all travel which affected businesses' daily operation, such as business travel, etc. This impact is now captured under the Wider Economic Benefits of the Economic Appraisal. As a result Transport Scotland continue to believe that that potential freight impacts are appraised to the same standard as all other impacts within the transport appraisal.

The Scottish Government and Transport Scotland will continue to monitor this position.