An appraisal using STAG is required when Government funding, support or approval is sought for justified proposals to change the transport system. Its use is encouraged in other circumstances when there is a need for changes to the transport system and may be applied to issues including:
The Guidance can be used to identify transport options to address identified or perceived problems or opportunities relating to a range of transport planning scenarios. The transport options may include but need not be limited to:
STAG should not be adopted when considering issues relating to maintenance or renewal which will not significantly change an existing asset or impact upon the operation of this asset. However, it must be adopted when there is likely to be:
An appraisal using STAG is not required for network maintenance schemes which replace the layout of an existing asset broadly like for like and do not directly affect the operation of this asset.
All appraisals using STAG must encompass the principles of being objective-led rather than solution-led, present the appraisal of options against the Transport Planning Objectives, STAG Criteria and established policy directives and include proposals for Monitoring and Evaluation. The STAG Process should, however, be applied proportionately to the impacts of the issue under consideration. Help and advice is available from Transport Scotland on this frequently misunderstood point to ensure that the appraisal presents the information required by the decision maker in a timely manner that also represents value for money.
Practitioners should establish the clear rationale for using the STAG Process prior to starting a STAG led study. This will ensure that STAG is the appropriate tool for the study under consideration. This Technical Database outlines detailed guidance to aid practitioners in completing the scoping exercise. Advice should be sought from Transport Scotland if practitioners require further clarity on the purpose for which they wish to use the Guidance.
