Scottish Government

European Commission White Paper- European Transport Policy for 2010 (2001) - outlines what has been achieved to date at the EU and member state level, and what the key targets are for the future.

Series of principles presented, including:

• Revitalise the railways;
• Improve quality in the road transport sector;
• Balance growth in air transport and the environment;
• Turn intermodality into reality;
• Improve road safety;
• Policy on effective road charging;
• Develop high quality urban transport; and
• Develop medium and long-term environmental objectives for a sustainable transport system.

The NTS is being developed within the framework for transport provided at the EU level and will take account of the principles detailed within this document.
The SEA objectives which have been developed provide the basis for a sustainable transport system.

Scotland's Transport Future (2004) - sets out the vision for Scotland's transport future and the strategies and structures which will achieve this.

To improve Scotland's transport future, creating safer, higher-quality, more accessible and better integrated services.

Basis for the development of the NTS has been the aims and objectives for transport outlined in the White Paper. The NTS will be required to take full account of these in the policies it develops.

Towards a Transport Strategy for Scotland (2006) - Rail Consultation Paper - seeks to establish how Rail can best serve people and business in Scotland and contribute to the NTS.

Seeks to gather views from stakeholders on what the strategic priorities for Scotland's Rail should be. It specifically seeks views on:

• How Rail can contribute to the economy and society of Scotland;
• Encouraging modal shift; and
• Priorities on assignment of scarce capacity.

The conclusions of this consultation will inform the development of the final rail strategy, and should also be taken into consideration in the development of the NTS.

The Future of Air Transport White Paper (2003) - sets out a strategic framework for the development of airport capacity in the UK over the next 30 years, against the wider context of the air transport sector.

It does not itself authorise or preclude any particular development, but sets out a policy framework which will inform decisions on future planning applications, and against which the relevant public bodies, airport operators and airlines can plan ahead.

The NTS should seek to recognise the contribution of aviation to Scotland's economy and social welfare, whilst taking full account of the environmental concerns. The SEA should fully consider the environmental implications associated with air travel, in particular CO₂ emissions.

Kyoto Protocol (1998) - commitment signed by 38 countries (plus the EU) in 1998 to introduce individual, legally binding targets to limit or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 5% from 1990 levels in the commitment period 2008 - 2012.

To achieve a reduction in anthropogenic CO₂ emissions to at least 5% below 1990 levels by 2012.
The UK has committed to an 8% reduction on 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012.

The NTS will take into account targets for reducing CO₂ emissions and consider measures to reduce the need to travel and the use of alternative more sustainable means of travel. The SEA should include within its scope consideration of CO₂ emissions from the transport sector

European Climate Change Programme - the European Commission's main instrument to discuss and prepare the further development of the European Union's climate policy.

To identify and develop all the necessary elements on an EU strategy to deliver the EU Kyoto Protocol commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 8% below 1990 levels by 2008 - 2012.

Measures framed around goals to promote choice and raise awareness of the need for change; promote modal shift; promote new technologies and cleaner fuels would positively contribute to a reduction in CO₂ transport related emissions.

UK Climate Change Programme (2006) - outlines the UK's contribution to the global response to climate change.

To deliver the UK's commitment of a 12.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2008 - 2012. The programme sets out a strategic, far reaching package of policies and measures across all sectors of the economy to achieve the targets set. These are also designed to move the UK towards its domestic target of 20% reduction in 1990 levels of CO₂ emissions by 2010.

The NTS will take account of the UK wide emission reduction targets and consider measures which would positively contribute to these targets, for example reducing the need to travel and encouraging the use of more sustainable alternatives. The SEA includes within its scope consideration of CO₂ emissions from the transport sector.

Scottish Climate Change Programme (2006) - the UK domestic target to reduce CO₂ emissions does not apply separately to Scotland; only the UK as a whole, however Scotland is committed to making an equitable contribution to this target and this programme sets the framework for Scotland's contribution to UK climate change commitments including the setting of targets in devolved areas.

As part of the programme a study has been commissioned to produce projections for Scottish energy related CO₂ emissions, this will include projections to 2020 for emissions from the transport sector in Scotland. Latest results indicate that the vast majority of emissions are from the road sector and overall emissions are expected to steadily increase in the period to 2020.
The Scottish share towards the UK Government's domestic commitment to reduce CO₂ emissions by 20% below 2010 has been calculated at approximately 1.7 million tonnes of carbon (MtC) in annual savings. The Scottish target is to exceed this share by 1 million tonnes of carbon in 2010.

The NTS will take account of the Scottish share and consider measures from the transport sector which would positively contribute to these targets, for example reducing the need to travel and encouraging the use of more sustainable alternatives.

The SEA will include within its scope consideration of CO₂ emissions from the transport sector.

EU Air Quality Directive (96/62/ EC) - this Directive covers the revision of previously existing legislation and the introduction of new air quality standards for previously unregulated air pollutants, setting the timetable for the development of daughter directives on a range of pollutants.

Mandatory standards set for air quality together with limits and guidance.

The NTS will have regard to the implications of different policies on air quality and consider measures which reduce the need to travel and encourage the development and uptake of more sustainable options. The SEA includes within its scope consideration of air quality related issues and highlights the need for more detailed assessment at the regional and local level where appropriate.

Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (2000 amended 2003) -describes the plans drawn up by the Government and devolved administrations to improve and protect ambient air quality in the UK in the medium-term.

Standards set for 8 main air pollutants of particular concern to human health - these are to be achieved between 2003 and 2008. The standards are purely health based and objectives are to be derived from these, taking into account practicality, technical feasibility and economic factors.

The NTS should have regard to the implications of different policies on air quality and promote measures which reduce the need to travel and encourage the development and uptake of more sustainable options. The SEA includes within its scope consideration of air quality related issues and highlights the need for more detailed assessment at the regional and local level where appropriate.

EU Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC)

The main aim of this Directive is to provide a common basis for tackling the noise problem across the EU.

The NTS should take into account the implications of different policies on noise levels, especially in terms of the development of new infrastructure.
The SEA includes within its scope consideration of noise related issues and highlights the need for more detailed assessment at the regional and local level where appropriate.

EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) - represents the most substantial piece of EU water legislation to date. Central to the framework is an integrated approach through River Basin Management Planning ( RBMP) which will consider the cumulative impacts of all activities within a river basin and district and the risk posed to the environment. Environmental objectives will be set for each water body, with due consideration to economic and social costs.

To prevent deterioration in status and to achieve "good" ecological status in all surface and ground water bodies by 2015 and limit the quantity of groundwater abstraction to that portion of overall recharge not required by ecology.

The SEA will encourage adequate consideration of impacts affecting the water environment. This should entail a holistic view to water resource management with consideration provided of all impacts on the water environment, including abstractions, dams, water flows and engineering works affecting the banks and beds of watercourses.

The Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development (2002) - principles of international commitment to sustainable development reaffirmed.

To strengthen and improve Government at all levels to fulfil commitment to sustainable development.

The NTS will take into consideration the principles of sustainable development and seek to reflect these within the overarching objectives of the strategy and individual policy measures.
The SEA will also reflect the principles of sustainable development.

Securing the Future (2005) - review of the original sustainable development strategy published in 1999.

The new objectives included within the strategy are:

• Living within environmental limits;
• Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society;
• Achieving a sustainable economy;
• Promoting good governance; and
• Using sound science responsibly.

Both the NTS and SEA will take account of the objectives relating to sustainable development. Also of relevance to the NTS are a number of indicators supportive of this strategy, including:

• CO₂ emission by end user (inc transport);
• CO₂ emissions from aviation bunkers, shipping bunkers, private car and freight;
• CO₂, NO_x, and PM₁₀ emissions from road transport;
• Mode of travel to school;
• Accessibility; and
• Road accidents.

Measures for reducing the need to travel, supporting cleaner fuels and modal shift will positively contribute to these indicators.

Choosing Our Future (2005) - sets the framework for sustainable development within Scotland.

The objectives of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy also underpin the Scottish Sustainable Development Strategy. These are as follows:

• Living within environmental limits;
• Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society;
• Achieving a sustainable economy;
• Promoting good governance; and
• Using sound science responsibly.

Both the NTS and SEA will take account of the objectives relating to sustainable development. Also of relevance to the NTS are a number of specific indicators, including:

• Distance travelled;
• Mode of travel;
• Accessibility;
• Mode of travel to school; and
• Mode of travel for freight.

Measures for reducing the need to travel, supporting the development of cleaner fuels and modal shift will positively contribute to these indicators.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) - international commitment to maintaining the world's biodiversity.

Three main goals established - the conservation of biological diversity; the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources.
Requirement for each country who has signed the declaration to develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

The SEA will consider biodiversity impacts within its objectives. Adequate consideration will be encouraged of impacts affecting biodiversity with support for more detailed assessment at the regional and local level where appropriate.

EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EC) - seeks to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity through the protection of natural habitats and wild plants and animals.

To maintain or restore in a favourable condition designated natural habitat types and habitats of designated species listed in Annex I and II of the directive respectively.

The SEA will consider biodiversity impacts within its objectives. Adequate consideration will be encouraged of impacts affecting biodiversity with support for more detailed assessment at the regional and local level where appropriate.

EU Wild Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) - protection scheme for all of Europe's wild birds, identifying 194 species and sub-species.

To sustain populations of naturally occurring wild birds by sustaining areas of habitats in order to maintain populations at ecologically and scientifically sound levels.

The SEA will consider biodiversity impacts within its objectives. Adequate consideration will be encouraged of impacts affecting biodiversity with support for more detailed assessment at the regional and local level where appropriate.

UK Biodiversity Action Plan (1994) - this was published in response to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) highlights a number of priority habitats and species with associated action plans at the species, habitat and local level.

The NTS will take account of the principles framed within this document.
The SEA will consider biodiversity impacts within its objectives. Adequate consideration will be encouraged of impacts affecting biodiversity with support for more detailed assessment at the regional and local level where appropriate.

It's in Your Hands (2004) - sets the framework for ensuring biodiversity is embedded into public policy and sets out a programme to conserve and enhance all levels of biodiversity.

To protect the biodiversity resource of Scotland.

The NTS will take account of the principles framed within this document.
The SEA will consider biodiversity impacts within its objectives. Adequate consideration will be encouraged of impacts affecting biodiversity with support for more detailed assessment at the regional and local level where appropriate.

The Scottish Forestry Strategy (2000) - (this is currently under review) provides the Executive's framework for the sustainable development of Scotland's forests for the benefit of all.

The overarching principle for the strategy is sustainability. The other principles are:

• Integration with all rural activities;
• Positive value contribution in social, economic and environmental terms to the well-being of Scots;
• Community Support; and
• Diversity and local distinctiveness.

The NTS and SEA will address issues surrounding sustainable transport for both freight and passenger needs. The NTS recognises the importance of the integration of land use and transport planning.
The NTS and SEA will take account of the principles outlined, in particular issues concerning community access to forests for recreational purposes and the transportation of timber.

UK Energy White Paper: Our Future Energy - Creating a Low Carbon Economy (2003) - defines a long-term strategic vision for energy policy combining environmental, security of supply, competitiveness and social goals.

Four key goals detailed within the White Paper:

• To put ourselves on a path to cut the UK's carbon dioxide emissions - the main contributor to global warming - by some 60% by about 2050 with real progress by 2020;
• To maintain the reliability of energy supplies;
• To promote competitive markets in the UK and beyond, helping to raise the rate of sustainable economic growth and to improve our productivity; and
• To ensure that every home is adequately and affordably heated.

The NTS will recognise the significance of energy consumption by the transport sector and the corresponding contribution to CO₂ emissions. Where possible the NTS will seek to consider the development of cleaner fuels, as well as reduce the overall need to travel, and where travel is necessary the promotion of sustainable options.
The SEA will include within its scope consideration of the implications of energy consumption (primarily CO₂ related emissions) associated with the different policy measures.

Scottish Energy Efficiency Strategy - (forthcoming strategy).

Sets out how measures to be more energy efficient in all sectors can make a measurable difference to greenhouse gas emissions.

The NTS will consider the importance of reducing the need to travel and promotion of sustainable alternatives where travel is necessary. It will also recognise the importance of increasing the uptake of cleaner vehicles and fuels where they produce less harmful emissions than existing technologies and is supportive of measures to take this forward.

EU Biofuels Directive (2003/30/EC) - aims to promote the use of biofuels or other renewable transport fuels as substitutes for fossil fuels in the transport sector.

Requires member states to set indicative targets for biofuel sales in 2005 and 2010. Given the single UK fuel market, UK wide targets have been set for the uptake of biofuels. The target for 2005 has been set at 0.3% of total fuel sales for 2005 and a target of 5% has been agreed for 2010.

The NTS will consider the importance of increasing the uptake of cleaner fuels where they produce less harmful emissions than existing technologies and be supportive of measures to take this forward.

Securing a Renewable Future: Scotland's Renewable Energy (2003)

Outlines commitments to a wide range of renewable energy technologies as part of efforts to tackle climate change and as a measure to promote economic growth, particularly in remote areas.

The NTS will consider the importance of increasing the uptake of cleaner vehicles and fuels where they produce less harmful emissions than existing technologies and be supportive of measures to take this forward.

NPPG 6 Renewable Energy Developments - sets out the Executive's policies for supporting
an increase in renewable energy development in Scotland.

Defines the factors to be taken into account in considering policies for renewable energy developments in development plans, and when considering applications for planning permission which come before them
on appeal or call-in. It also indicates
the considerations which planning authorities should take into account when drawing-up policies in structure and local plans and when determining planning applications. These are also factors which developers should take into account when preparing development proposals.

The NTS will consider the importance of increasing the uptake of cleaner fuels where they produce less harmful emissions than existing technologies and be supportive of measures to take this forward.

Lets Make Scotland More Active (2003) - commitment included in the Health White Paper, " Towards a Healthier Scotland" and sets out the long-term vision (20 years) for physical activity in Scotland.

To encourage 50% of all adults and 80% of all children to meet the minimum recommended levels of physical activity by 2022. For adults this is 30 minutes of exercise every day and for children (aged 2 - 15) this is one hour of moderate activity on 5 or more days per week.

The NTS will take into account health related impacts of different policies and seek to promote more active travel.
The SEA will include within its scope consideration of human health in terms of physical activity.

Modernising the Planning System - Planning White Paper - sets out the key policies and principles and the Executive's vision for planning.

Includes a series of high level objectives to:

• Place development plans firmly at the heart of the planning system and; Ensure the planning system is fit for purpose and able to respond to different types of development in the most appropriate way;
• Make it easier for people to get involved in planning; and
• Shape the future of their communities and recognise planning's role in delivering sustainable development.

The NTS will address issues surrounding sustainable transport for both freight and passenger. The NTS will also recognise the importance of the integration of land use and transport planning.

National Planning Framework - a non-statutory planning document which looks at Scotland from a spatial perspective and sets out a long-term vision.

To provide a view of Scotland as a place to live and identify likely change to 2025 to ensure different areas can develop to their full potential.

The NTS will address issues surrounding sustainable transport for both freight and passenger. The NTS will also recognise the importance of transport to economic growth and social inclusion.

SPP17 Planning for Transport - promotes the integration of land use planning and transport at the national, regional and local level.

To actively manage the pattern of urban development and the location of major travel generating development to promote more sustainable transport choices for both passenger and freight transport and reduce the overall need to travel, especially by the private car.

The NTS will address issues surrounding sustainable transport for both freight and passenger. The NTS will also recognise the importance of the integration of land use and transport planning.

Passed to the Future (2002) - sets out the policy for the sustainable management of Scotland's historic environment.

Stresses the value of retaining, and, where it is possible and right to do so, re-using existing structures and materials. It also explains the continued relevance of traditional building materials and local craft skills.

The NTS and SEA will be developed within the guidelines and principles set out within this document. Where the NTS provides the context for infrastructure projects, particular account will be taken of these principles.
The SEA will include within its consideration of cultural heritage protection of all aspects of the historic environment.

NPPG 5 Archaeology and Planning - sets out the Executive's policies on the archaeological remains on land and how they should be preserved and recorded in both an urban and rural setting.

To encourage the preservation of heritage sites and landscapes of archaeological and historic interest.

Archaeological sites can be potentially damaged through new infrastructure and indirect effects associated with transport. The NTS will seek to reconcile protection of the historic environment and encourage more detailed assessment at the regional and local level where appropriate.
The SEA will include within its consideration of cultural heritage protection of all aspects of the historic environment.

NPPG 14 Natural Heritage - sets out the Executive's policies for the conservation and enhancement of Scotland's natural heritage should be reflected in land use planning.

To ensure that the natural heritage is conserved and enhanced for present and future generations.

Natural heritage, including plants and animals, landforms and geology, and natural beauty and amenity, can be potentially damaged through new infrastructure and indirect effects associated with transport. The NTS will seek to reconcile protection of the natural heritage asset and encourage more detailed assessment at the regional and local level where appropriate.
The SEA will include within its consideration of cultural heritage protection of all aspects of the natural heritage.

NPPG 18 Planning and the Historic Environment - sets out the Executive's policies for the identification and protection of historic buildings, conservation areas and other elements of the historic environment.

Effective protection of all aspects of the historic environment.

The historic environment can be potentially damaged through new infrastructure and indirect effects associated with transport. The NTS will seek to reconcile protection of the historic environment and encourage more detailed assessment at the regional and local level where appropriate.
The SEA will include within its consideration of cultural heritage protection of the historic environment.