There are a number of key concepts which underpin the Guidance:
An appraisal using STAG allows the contribution of a potential intervention to the Government's Purpose to be presented in a consistent manner.
STAG is objective-led rather than solution-led which avoids pre-conceived solutions being brought forward without considering other options which may meet the identified problems or opportunities.
It provides best practice transport appraisal guidance to be used to find transport solutions to identified or perceived transport problems and potential opportunities using an evidence base.
The Transport Planning Objectives developed as part of a STAG study must capture the essence of the evidenced based problem or opportunity to be addressed or opportunity being undertaken.
It can be used in all transport appraisal contexts, including transport and development policies, or strategies.
It is one process incorporating Pre-Appraisal, Part 1 Appraisal, Part 2 Appraisal and Post-Appraisal.
It should be applied proportionately but comprehensively - the whole process should be used; the level of detail required will be determined by the scale of the impacts of the transport issue being addressed.
Robust Pre-Appraisal provides the foundation to the whole process since it promotes the analysis of opportunities during Pre-Appraisal in parallel to the identification of transport problems.
It does not prioritise between options rather it is an aid to decision makers to allow them to make informed choices. STAG may provide an initial rationale for investment and it is important that the STAG outcomes are revisited as the Business Case for an intervention develops.
Appraisal of the issues, as presented in the STAG Report should be completed before commencing the detailed design of the options taken forward using mode specific guidance. It is recognised that whilst mode specific guidance may be used to inform the options considered as part of the appraisal, designs should not be progressed past this level until the appraisal is complete and decision makers make their informed choice of the options to be developed further.
Appraisal of options and production of a STAG Report should precede any application for planning consent or the production of development management Transport Assessments in support of developments. This ensures the proper consideration of the transport issues relative to the proposals being developed, and the presentation of these aspects in a clear manner. To this extent a STAG appraisal is complementary to a Transport Assessment.
Outcomes should be reported clearly and concisely - the STAG Report should document completion of each phase of the process comprehensively but proportionately.
It embraces Scottish Government policy across a range of areas.
It does not remove the need for practitioners to undertake their statutory obligations - i.e. to adhere to all relevant and applicable Scottish, UK, and EU legislation.
