Transport and Planning
Streets have to fulfil a complex variety of functions in order to meet people's needs as a place for living, working and moving around. For a long time, the principle focus of many streets has been on the movement function, and that has resulted in many places being dominated by motor vehicles. New developments and changes of use are bound to have some form of transport implication. Given the policy significance of the links between land use and transport, the likely transport impacts of development proposals need to be identified and dealt with as early as possible in the planning process.
What is the government doing?
Review of Scottish Planning Policy 17: Planning for Transport
WSP Development and Transportation was commissioned to undertake a review of the implementation of aspects of SPP17 Planning for Transport and its daughter documents by the Scottish Government. The full Implementation of Aspects of SPP17 Planning for Transport review is also available in summary form here.
Overall, most stakeholders were positive about the document itself. It is generally perceived to tackle some vital issues in an appropriate manner; however the general consensus was less positive regarding successful implementation. The Scottish Government is reviewing the findings and recommendations.
Designing Streets
The Scottish Government has published a consultation draft " Designing Streets" which sets policy for the design of streets across Scotland. Designing Streets will be a companion document to Designing Places and applies the principles of good design. Designing Streets provides more comprehensive information than previous policy advice contained in PAN 76 - New Residential Streets, which will be withdrawn with the publication of Designing Streets. Designing Streets will focus on lightly-trafficked residential streets, but many of its key principles may be applicable to other types of street, for example high streets and lightly-trafficked lanes in rural areas.
Designing Streets is being developed from Manual for Streets which was published in England and Wales in March 2007.
Where do I get more help
The following Scottish Planning Policies (SPPs), Circulars, Planning Advice Notes (PANs) and tools have been produced by the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to provide statements and advice on good practice.
- Scottish Planning Policies (SPPs) provide statements of Scottish Government policy on nationally important land use and other planning matters, supported where appropriate by a locational framework.
- Circulars, which also provide statements of Scottish Government policy, contain guidance on policy implementation through legislative or procedural change.
- Planning Advice Notes ( PANs) provide advice on good practice and other relevant information.
Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 17: Planning for Transport
SPP17's principal message is to promote the integration of land use and transport. There are a number of sub-objectives and policy statements contained within SPP17 to strengthen integration between land use and transport planning.
Planning Advice Note (PAN) 75: Planning for Transport (accompanies SPP17)
This PAN provides guidance on the good practices that planning authorities, developers and other should observe during policy development, proposal assessment and project delivery. It aims to create greater awareness of how linkages between planning and transport can be managed. It highlights the roles of different bodies and professions in the process and points to other sources of information.
Planning Advice Note (PAN) 76: New Residential Streets
This PAN provides advice on the design of better quality residential streets. It focuses on some key factors which can create successful street design. It also clarifies the roles and responsibilities of those involved.
Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG)
Transport Scotland completed a refresh of the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) in 2008. The aim of the refresh was to make STAG more user-friendly and easier to understand.
The result is this refreshed version of The Guidance, which continues to represent best practice in transport appraisal. The Guidance is supported by a Technical Database which provides detailed guidance on the methodology and reporting structure to be used when completing a STAG appraisal. The communication of future updates, known as Business as Usual updates, will be made available through the Technical Database.
Further Information
Scottish Government Built Environment
For help and advice on other aspects of the Scottish Government policy and advice on the built environment please see the Built Environment Topic on this website.
Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG)
For help and advice on the application of this Guidance, please email the Scot-TAG Mailbox or contact Transport Scotland directly.