Appendix B

Introduction

This appendix details the assessment approach and findings of the A96 Corridor Review Policy Appraisal.

Background

STAG states that the relevant national policies and objectives identified during Objective Setting in the Case for Change should also be considered during Preliminary Options Appraisal. A clear conflict between an option and, for example, established land-use planning policy or transport targets in the area is likely to jeopardise its potential for funding, support, approval and implementation. A positive contribution towards the achievement of other relevant objectives would be to an option’s credit.

The contribution of options towards meeting established Scottish Government policy objectives are demonstrated using the outputs of the Policy Assessment Framework (PAF) Tool. The PAF Tool is used to qualitatively assess how each option performs against current Scottish Government transport policy objectives detailed in the PAF spreadsheet. However, the PAF tool available on the Transport Scotland website has not been updated to reflect the current policy context.

Approach to assessment

For the purposes of the A96 Corridor Review, and in line with the approach taken for the Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), a bespoke PAF tool was developed which reflected relevant national, strategic and local scale policy requirements. A set of appraisal objective criteria were derived from a comprehensive policy review and these objective criteria were then aligned to each to the five STAG criteria. The documents used in the generation of objectives are presented in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Documents used in objective criteria generation

• National Documents
o National Performance Framework
o Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation: Delivering Economic Prosperity (2022)
o Infrastructure Investment Plan (2021)
o National Transport Strategy 2 (2020)
o National Planning Framework 3 / Scottish Planning Policy (2014)
o National Planning Framework 4 (2021)
o A Fairer, Greener Scotland: Programme for Government 2021-22 (2021)
o Update to the Climate Change Plan 2018-2032: Securing a Green Recovery on a Path to Net Zero (2020)
o Climate Ready Scotland: Second Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme 2019-2024 (2019)
• Strategic Documents
o HITRANS – Regional Transport Strategy (2018)
o NESTRANS – Regional Transport Strategy for the North-East of Scotland (2021)
o Aberdeen City and Shire Strategic Development Plan (2020)
• Local Documents
o Highland Wide Local Development Plan (2012)
o Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan (2015)
o Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan (2021)
o Moray Local Development Plan (2020)
o Aberdeen Local Development Plan (2017)
o Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (2017)
o The Highland Council Local Transport Strategy 2011-2014 (2010)
o Moray Local Transport Strategy (2011)
o Aberdeenshire Council Local Transport Strategy 2016-2021
o Inverness and Highland City Region Deal Annual Report 2020/21
o Aberdeen City Region Deal (2016)

The PAF Tool themes and criteria questions which relate to the policy objectives identified are as follows:

Environment
- To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?
- To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?
- To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?
- To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with reference to the six qualities of successful places in National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4))?
Climate Change
- To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car kilometres?
- To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?
- To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change projections for Scotland?
- To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
- To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?
- To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?
- To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?
- To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and promote active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?
- To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?
Economic
- To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?
- To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?
- To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?
- To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?
Equality
- To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?
- To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?
- To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?
- To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?

At both preliminary and detailed appraisal stages, options (or packages) were assessed within the Policy Appraisal with each option given a high-level score to determine whether they were consistent with the criteria for each policy objective. It was considered that at this strategic level both ‘With Policy’ and ‘Without Policy’ transport behaviour scenarios would have similar outcomes, and therefore only one score was provided against each objective. For further information regarding the transport behaviour scenarios, please refer to Appendix A of the Strategic Business Case – Transport Appraisal Report.

The following assessment approach was adopted:

Consistent – this ‘score’ was attributed to each of the objectives if it was decided that the option is consistent with the objective or has general compliance with it.
Inconsistent – this ‘score’ was attributed to each of the objectives if it was decided that the option is inconsistent with the objective.
Neutral – where further detail or research is required to accurately determine the impact of an option or where the option is to have no significant positive or negative impact in relation to the objectives, the neutral ‘score’ was given.
Inconclusive (at this stage) – whilst carrying out the option appraisal it was identified that a ‘score’ which acknowledged that some of the options may cause both positive and negative impacts needed to be reflected.

Assumptions and Limitations

It should be noted that the policy appraisal of both the preliminary options and detailed packages was initially undertaken in advance of the formal adoption of the NPF4 and thus within the context of National Planning Framework 3 (NPF3) and Scottish Planning Policy 2014. The draft version of NPF4 was used in the first instance to develop the objective criteria, however a secondary review of the objective criteria and the findings was undertaken following its adoption in February 2023. It is considered that the key aims and outcomes of NPF4 as adopted are accurately reflected in the Policy Objective Criteria.

At this current stage in the process, design and details relating to location, materials, construction etc. are not finalised due to the strategic nature of the options and packages being appraised. No recommendations have been made and therefore this appraisal does not identify any preferred options or packages at this point. The scorings which were given are based on the current situation and make no assumptions with regards to future design development and mitigation, which can improve the consistency of an option in relation to the policy objective criteria.

While the STAG appraisal has considered the impacts across both the ‘With Policy’ and ‘’Without Policy’ transport behaviour scenarios (see Appendix A of the Strategic Business Case – Transport Appraisal Report for full details) it was considered for the purposes of this appraisal and due to the strategic nature of the options that the potential conflicts would be same for both scenarios and as such only one score is provided.

Consideration of A96 Full Dualling

As the Scottish Government’s current plan is to fully dual the A96 route between Inverness and Aberdeen, it was considered appropriate that it progressed to the Detailed Appraisal stage, as it has already been the subject of the appraisal undertaken in 2014 that established the Inverness to Aberdeen Corridor Study A96 Dualling Inverness to Aberdeen Strategic Business Case.

The option for A96 Full Dualling has been appraised as part of the Detailed Appraisal to assess its performance against current appraisal criteria including the TPOs developed for the A96 Corridor Review, the current STAG criteria and the relevant SIAs. The outcomes of the Detailed Appraisal for A96 Full Dualling are presented in Chapter 6 of the Strategic Business Case – Transport Appraisal Report.

It should be noted that the A96 Dualling Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) scheme has been excluded from the scope of the A96 Corridor Review as it already has ministerial consent. In the context of the A96 Corridor Review, the A96 Full Dualling therefore comprises the section of the route from Hardmuir (to the East of Nairn) through to the junction with the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) at Craibstone.

In relation to the policy appraisal, the A96 Full Dualling (from Hardmuir to Craibstone) has been considered against the identified policy objectives alongside the packages which progressed to Detailed Appraisal. No policy appraisal was undertaken for A96 Full Dualling at the Preliminary Appraisal stage.

Consideration of Active Hubs

Early in the Preliminary Appraisal process it was identified that the Active Hubs option would clearly align with and sit within STPR2 recommendation 22 (Framework for Delivery of Mobility Hubs). It was determined that STPR2 would be the most appropriate mechanism by which to progress this option at a national level. As such, the appraisal of Active Hubs was not completed within the A96 Corridor Review and the option has not been considered as part of the policy appraisal.

Preliminary Appraisal

Introduction

This section summarises the policy assessment element of the Preliminary Appraisal for the A96 Corridor Review. Although 16 options were taken forward from the Initial Option Sifting as part of the Case for Change as summarised in section 1, only 14 were assessed fully at the Preliminary Appraisal Stage, with Active Hubs dropping out and A96 Full Dualling only being assessed at the Detailed Options Appraisal stage. Section 3 of the A96 Corridor Review Strategic Business Case – Transport Appraisal Report explains the approach to the Preliminary Options Appraisal assessment.

Summary of Findings

The policy objectives were grouped under the five STAG themes. All the options appraised were generally consistent with at least some of the five objective themes.

Under the Environmental appraisal theme, where an option required significant new infrastructure or the development of land such as the bypass options and the Linespeed, Passenger and Freight Capacity Improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Line, there is a potential inconsistency with policy objectives. Some key concerns raised being the safeguarding of natural environment assets and the blue network/waterbodies; although as explained in Section 1.4 above there is no information available at this time on potential design measures or mitigation. Some of the options, including bypasses, are anticipated to improve local air quality by removing car and freight through trips from towns, however their overall impact on air quality is uncertain as they may encourage an increase in vehicle kilometres overall, thus increasing emissions produced.

Where sustainable modal shift is facilitated to public transport or active travel, these options are considered generally consistent with objectives relating to improving air quality and contributing towards the creation and maintenance of high-quality places which are attractive, connected and sustainable. However, given the lack of design detail commensurate with this early stage of option appraisal, it is not appropriate to make comment on whether any construction of any of the options would be inconsistent with objectives related to protecting and enhancing the natural environment and potentially blue networks and waterbodies.

Under the Climate Change appraisal theme, the four bypass options along with targeted road safety interventions all have the potential to increase vehicle trips and kilometres travelled, which is inconsistent with key climate change policy objectives to reduce vehicle kilometres by 20% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2045. Bypasses score better against objectives related to adaptation due to the assumption that new infrastructure would be designed to minimise the predicted effects of climate change.

Options supporting modal shift to more sustainable options including active travel options, rail enhancement options and the A96 Electric Corridor are more generally consistent with the climate change objectives. However, not all options supporting mode shift would help adapt the transport network to the risks associated with climate change. Those options that modify existing or introduce new infrastructure would be designed to withstand the predicted impacts of climate change but may still be vulnerable to extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks. Also, only few options including the A96 Electric Corridor and potentially Improved Parking Provision at Railway Stations and Linespeed, Passenger and Freight Capacity Improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Line, would consider promoting and supporting clean fuels/technologies to decarbonise travel.

Under the Health Safety and Wellbeing appraisal theme most of the options have either a general consistency or neutral relationship with the Health, Safety and Wellbeing objectives. Bypasses would remove through trips from towns, supporting safety objectives. This may encourage healthy travel choices and liveable places if accompanied by other active travel improvements, although as they make driving over longer distances between settlements more attractive, it would not encourage sustainable access to critical services within local communities. Similarly, despite improving road safety on the A96 Trunk Road, Targeted Road Safety Improvements could encourage more people to drive which may provide limited contribution towards improving health outcomes.

Active travel options particularly have a high level of consistency with the Health, Safety and Wellbeing appraisal theme as they support healthy travel choices and the creation of liveable places, whilst also enhancing provision of non-motorised transport and provide sustainable access to critical services.

Under the Economic appraisal theme most of the options were considered to either be consistent or have a neutral relationship with the economic related policy objectives. The majority of options support the resilience and reliability of the transport network and enhance the competitiveness of business locally and across the wider country, either by providing new or improved connections for freight and commuting traffic by road or rail or encouraging a modal shift to increase travel options. Bypass options could make it more desirable to use local amenities by sustainable modes where traffic is removed from the centre of communities.

However, some options are not considered to be fully consistent with the objective to support and enhance the rural economy. For example, the Linespeed, Passenger and Freight Capacity Improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Line may encourage more business and travel in areas where there are already rail stations, most commonly found in larger more urbanised settlements along the A96 Corridor. Also, bypasses could reduce the amount of passing trade in towns by encouraging through trips to divert away from town centres and may lead to the loss of productive agricultural land, both of which may result in some negative impacts on the local economy.

Under the Equality appraisal theme rail freight options were not considered to contribute towards policy objectives for improving equal transport accessibility for all communities. The development of the A96 Electric Corridor was also considered potentially inconsistent with objectives of supporting affordable access to and from disadvantaged communities and education, healthcare and employment opportunities as it only benefits those with the ability to afford an alternatively fuelled vehicle. The benefits from Linespeed, Passenger and Freight Capacity Improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Line similarly may not contribute as positively to improving equal transport accessibility for all communities as rail travel is less affordable for some users, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.

Options that promote active travel and bus as alternatives to use of a car are consistent with providing sustainable, affordable and fair transport access to a range of services including education, employment and healthcare facilities. Investment in Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is also generally consistent and would assist in creating connections from more disadvantaged communities.

Bypasses have a more neutral relationship with the Equality appraisal theme. Although these options focus on and provide most benefits to those with access to a car, there is some consistency with the objective under the Economic appraisal theme to provide fair and equal access to healthcare services as journey times would potentially be quicker and/or more reliable. It is currently uncertain whether bypasses would support an enhanced bus network as this is dependent on alignment and operator decisions on service routing, but there is the potential for greater consistency with the Equality appraisal theme if benefits for buses are delivered.

Options to Progress to Detailed Appraisal

Following the Preliminary Appraisal, options that were being progressed to Detailed Appraisal were packaged together. Although each package has been appraised separately, selected individual options have been included in more than one package. The options that have been considered under each package are shown in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1: Detailed appraisal packages

Package 1 contains the following interventions:
Active Communities (in Nairn, Forres, Elgin, Keith and Inverurie);
Bus Priority Measures;
Improved Public Transport Passenger Interchange Facilities;
Investment in DRT and MaaS;
Linespeed, Passenger and Freight Capacity Improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Line;
Elgin Bypass;
Keith Bypass;
Inverurie Bypass;
Forres Bypass; and
A96 Electric Corridor.

Package 2 contains the following interventions:
Active Communities (in Lhanbryde, Mosstodloch, Fochabers, Huntly, Kintore and Blackburn);
Bus Priority Measures;
Improved Public Transport Passenger Interchange Facilities;
Investment in DRT and MaaS;
Linespeed, Passenger and Freight Capacity Improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Line;
Targeted Road Safety Improvements; and
A96 Electric Corridor.

Package 3 contains the following interventions:
Active Connections;
Bus Priority Measures;
Investment in DRT and MaaS;
Linespeed, Passenger and Freight Capacity Improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Line;
Targeted Road Safety Improvements; and
A96 Electric Corridor.

Package 4 contains the following interventions:
Active Communities (in Nairn, Forres, Elgin, Lhanbryde, Mosstodloch, Fochabers, Keith, Huntly, Inverurie, Kintore and Blackburn);
Active Connections;
Improved Public Transport Passenger Interchange Facilities;
Introduce Rail Freight Terminals;
Linespeed, Passenger and Freight Capacity Improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Line;
Targeted Road Safety Improvements; and
A96 Electric Corridor.

Package 5 contains the following interventions:
Active Communities (in Nairn, Forres, Elgin, Lhanbryde, Mosstodloch, Fochabers, Keith, Huntly, Inverurie, Kintore and Blackburn);
Active Connections;
Bus Priority Measures;
Improved Public Transport Passenger Interchange Facilities;
Investment in DRT and MaaS;
Introduce Rail Freight Terminals;
Linespeed, Passenger and Freight Capacity Improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Line;
Targeted Road Safety Improvements; and
Elgin Bypass;
Keith Bypass;
Inverurie Bypass;
Forres Bypass; and
A96 Electric Corridor.

The Refined Package contains the following interventions:
Active Communities (in Nairn, Forres, Elgin, Lhanbryde, Mosstodloch, Fochabers, Keith, Huntly, Inverurie, Kintore and Blackburn);
Improved Public Transport Passenger Interchange Facilities;
Investment in DRT and MaaS;
Linespeed, Passenger and Freight Capacity Improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Line;
Targeted Road Safety Improvements;
Elgin Bypass;
Keith Bypass; and
A96 Electric Corridor.

As noted previously, A96 Full Dualling has also been appraised as part of the Detailed Appraisal to assess its performance against current appraisal criteria.

The policy appraisal of the packages assessed as part of the Detailed Appraisal are summarised in Section 3 below.

Detailed Appraisal

Approach

The same process of using STAG themes to group the policy objectives used for the Preliminary Appraisal was again used for the Detailed Appraisal of packages.

Package 1

Under the Environment appraisal theme, it is concluded that whilst some through traffic will be removed from the settlements as a result of the bypasses, allowing for improved active travel and access to sustainable transport, a predicted reduction in congestion as a result of the bypasses may increase the total number of private vehicle journeys. Construction of some interventions, particularly rail improvements and the four bypasses, has the potential to have adverse impacts upon the environment including landscape quality and natural heritage.

Under the Climate Change appraisal theme, it is considered that policy objectives for a 20% reduction in car kilometres by 2030 and reaching net zero targets by 2045 would be challenging to achieve due to an overall increase in the number of road users. Although the package would encourage a mode shift to sustainable modes of travel in bypassed towns and provide investment in the decarbonisation of travel through the A96 Electric Corridor, which are consistent with Climate Change policy, overall contribution to the relevant policies are limited by the predicted traffic increases as a result of the bypasses of Forres, Elgin, Keith and Inverurie. Whilst the new infrastructure should be designed to withstand predicted impacts of climate change it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks. It is considered that this package would be partially consistent with the climate change policy objectives.

Under the Health, Safety and Wellbeing appraisal theme, it has been concluded that the inclusion of bypasses would generally be consistent with policy objectives. Removing large numbers of through traffic from settlements could improve actual and the perceived feelings of safety as well as encourage more people to take up active travel for shorter everyday journeys within the settlements, supporting the idea of a 20-minute neighbourhood.

Under the Economic appraisal theme, the introduction of bypasses would improve the reliability of the trunk road network and reduce journey times and anticipated to strengthen the reliability of supply chains both locally and regionally. Agricultural land may be required for construction so consideration for the potential loss of productive farming land and reduced passing trade would need to be a consideration.

Under the Equality appraisal theme, it is considered that the reduction of through traffic within the bypassed towns could support improvements to active travel provisions as well as potentially improving the reliability of public transport due to reduced congestion within settlements. The package also provides improvements in active travel network coverage within bypassed settlements and public transport improvements to the bus and rail network, as well as interchange facilities that along with the introduction of DRT and MaaS would help vulnerable users access critical services such as healthcare, employment and education, ensuring Package 1 is consistent with the Equality appraisal theme.

Package 2

Under the Environmental appraisal theme, it is considered that the package is partially consistent with policy objectives. Including active travel provisions in settlements as well as alternative refuelling infrastructure and the possible modal shift to bus, rail and car-free public spaces makes a positive contribution towards policy objectives. However, the extent of the physical works associated with construction of the package could introduce environmental impacts, for example impacts on biodiversity and species.

Under the Climate Change appraisal theme, this package is considered to be consistent with policy objectives, with limited impact. The package has the potential to create a modal shift away from private car through improvements to active travel in the settlements considered and rail improvements, though positive impacts may be limited by the scale of the package, and so it is only somewhat consistent with a key Climate Change policy target of 20% reduction in car kilometres by 2030. Investment in the decarbonisation of travel through the A96 Electric Corridor is also consistent with Climate Change policy. Whilst any new infrastructure should be designed to withstand predicted impacts of climate change it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks.

Under the appraisal theme of Health, Safety and Wellbeing , this package is concluded as being generally consistent with policy objectives. The inclusion of active travel improvements and place making measures could improve actual and perceived feelings of safety as well as encourage more people to take up active travel for shorter everyday journeys within the settlements, supporting the concept of a 20-minute neighbourhood and improving health outcomes.

Under the appraisal theme of Economic, this package is considered as being consistent across all objectives. Public transport interventions included in the package would support faster and more reliable journeys as well as the reliability and resilience benefits to freight and other road users by reducing the impact of accidents on the wider network. This package would also be expected to improve the reliability and resilience for freight, supporting businesses and other road users.

Under the appraisal theme of Equality , the package has been concluded as being mostly consistent across the policy objectives. Whilst it is expected to provide improved public transport cost, accessibility of facilities and ticketing would need further clarification. Education, employment and health facilities would be more accessible through improved public transport connections, particularly rail, and along with DRT and MaaS would support vulnerable groups. Improvements to active travel infrastructure and public transport interchanges would enhance sustainable connections in areas often underserved by commercial transport.

Package 3

Under the appraisal theme of Environment , this package is considered as being partially consistent. Whilst this option would promote lower or no emission vehicles and possible modal shift to sustainable transport methods including bus, rail, walking and cycling, the physical works associated with the package, depending on scale, design and location have the potential to have adverse effects on the environment and would need to be assessed further.

Under the appraisal theme of Climate Change this package is considered to be largely consistent with policy objectives. Investment in public transport improvements and the provision of active travel routes between towns may encourage a small mode shift, supporting Climate Change objectives. Investment in the decarbonisation of travel through the A96 Electric Corridor is also consistent with Climate Change policy. However, these interventions are not likely to have a significant impact on a key policy target of achieving a 20% reduction in car kilometres by 2030. Whilst any new infrastructure should be designed to withstand predicted impacts of climate change it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks.

Under the appraisal theme of Health, Safety and Wellbeing the package is considered to be generally consistent with policy objectives, although with limited impact. Targeted road safety improvements and traffic-free active travel routes between towns would reduce the perceived and actual safety risks associated with the current A96 Trunk Road, whilst public transport accessibility to critical services would also be enhanced. However, Package 3 has no active travel provision within communities so would not support the 20-minute neighbourhood concept or encourage healthy travel choices as part of multimodal trips, as it relates to the rural stretches of the corridor only.

Under the Economic appraisal theme, this package is concluded as being consistent. The package would support faster and more reliable public transport journeys, enhance rail capacity for movement of people and goods, and improve the reliability of the A96 Trunk Road by reducing the impact of accidents.

Under the appraisal theme of Equality this package is concluded as being consistent with policy objectives. Education, employment and health facilities would be more accessible through improved public transport connections, particularly rail, and along with DRT and MaaS would support vulnerable groups. The package would also increase the active travel network coverage from rural communities towards key services, providing sustainable and affordable transport options.

Package 4

Under the appraisal theme of Environment this package is considered as being partially consistent with policy objectives. Whilst this option would promote lower or no emission vehicles and a possible modal shift to sustainable transport methods including bus, rail, walking and cycling. The physical works associated with the package, depending on scale, design and location may adversely affect the environment and would need to be subject to further assessment during design development.

Under the appraisal theme of Climate Change this package is considered to be consistent but with limited impact. Reduced congestion may increase traffic flows and minimal reduction in car kilometres. However, the introduction of the A96 Electric Corridor may promote the use of clean fuel technologies and investment in active travel and rail infrastructure should induce a modal shift away from car. This would support Climate Change policy objectives, but the extent of shift is unlikely to have a significant impact on the target of 20% reduction in car kilometres and meeting net zero by 2045. However, there is the potential that this package will encourage a mode shift to bus, rail and interchanges which would support an overall reduction in car km. Whilst any new infrastructure should be designed to withstand predicted impacts of climate change it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks.

Under the Health, Safety and Wellbeing appraisal theme this package is concluded as being consistent with policy objectives. Both perceived and real safety concerns on the A96 Trunk Road through targeted road safety improvements and the inclusion of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the form of long-distance active travel routes and local place improvements support the package’s consistency with Health, Safety and Wellbeing policy.

Under the Economic appraisal theme this package was determined as being consistent with policy objectives. The package would support faster and more reliable rail journeys and enhance the rail capacity for movement of people and goods, whilst also improving the reliability of the A96 Trunk Road by reducing the impact of accidents. The inclusion of public transport interventions, targeted road safety improvements and a shift towards more sustainable transport modes including freight rail supports the enhancement of travel for both people and goods.

Under the Equality appraisal theme this package was determined as being mostly consistent. The increase in active travel network coverage would provide sustainable and affordable transport options. It would also improve the reliability of the rail network for access to healthcare services, employment and education. However, as the only public transport interventions in this package relate to rail improvements, and does not include bus or DRT based interventions, the consistency with the Equality theme would be subject to the cost, ticketing and accessibility of the rail network.

Package 5

Under the appraisal theme of Environment , this package is considered as having limited consistency with policy objectives. Whilst this package would promote lower or no emission vehicles and possible modal shift to sustainable transport methods including bus, rail, walking and cycling, the physical works associated with the package, depending on scale, design and location have the potential to have adverse effects on the environment. It is concluded that whilst some through traffic will be removed from the settlements as a result of the bypasses, allowing for improved active travel and access to sustainable transport, a predicted reduction in congestion as a result of the bypasses may increase the number of private vehicle journeys. Construction of the bypasses has the potential to have adverse impacts upon the environment including landscape quality and natural heritage.

Under the Climate Change appraisal theme, it is considered that policy objectives for a 20% reduction in car kilometres by 2030 and reaching net zero targets by 2045 would be challenging to achieve due to an overall increased number of road users. Although the package would encourage a mode shift to sustainable modes of travel in bypassed towns and provide investment in the decarbonisation of travel through the A96 Electric Corridor, which are consistent with Climate Change policy, overall contribution to the relevant policies are limited by the predicted traffic increases as a result of the bypasses of Forres, Elgin, Keith and Inverurie. Whilst the new infrastructure should be designed to withstand predicted impacts of climate change it is not preventable and likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks. It is considered that this package would be partially consistent with the climate change policy objectives.

Under the Health, Safety and Wellbeing appraisal theme, it has been concluded that the package is generally consistent with policy objectives. Removing large numbers of through traffic from settlements could improve actual and perceived feelings of safety as well as encourage more people to take up active travel for shorter everyday journeys within the settlements, supporting the idea of a 20-minute neighbourhood. The inclusion of active travel improvements and place making measures could improve actual and perceived feelings of safety as well as encourage more people to take up active travel for shorter everyday journeys within the settlements, supporting the concept of a 20-minute neighbourhood and improving health outcomes.

Under the Economic appraisal theme, this package is concluded as being consistent. Public transport and targeted road safety improvements along with a potential modal shift to more sustainable transport modes from interventions such as rail freight terminals would benefit journey time reliability for both people and goods. However, agricultural land may be required for construction for some interventions within the package so productive farming land may be lost, and the bypasses may result in a loss of passing trade.

Under the appraisal theme of Equality this package is concluded as being consistent. Access to key services and transport inclusivity would be improved for vulnerable groups through public transport improvements to bus, rail and interchanges, supported by DRT and MaaS. Enhanced active travel network coverage for journeys between and within settlements could help a range of community groups to access employment, education, healthcare and leisure facilities. However, the uncertainty of new routes for active travel and public transport would need to be addressed to improve accessibility of disadvantaged communities.

Refined Package

Under the appraisal theme of Environment , this package is considered as being partially consistent with policy objectives. Whilst this option would promote lower or no emission vehicles and possible modal shift to sustainable transport methods including bus, rail, walking and cycling, the physical works associated with construction of the package, particularly for the rail improvements and the two bypasses, depending on scale, design and location have the potential to have adverse effects on the environment and will require further assessment as design development is progressed.

The inclusion of bypasses within this option has the potential to improve the air quality within the bypassed settlements of Elgin and Keith as there would likely be a reduction in the traffic passing through the two settlements. There would also be the opportunity to increase the active travel opportunities within these settlements which could have a further positive effect on air quality. However, a predicted reduction in congestion as a result of the bypasses may increase the number of private vehicle journeys. Construction of the bypasses has the potential to have adverse impacts upon the environment including landscape quality and natural heritage.

Under the Climate Change appraisal theme, this package focuses on reducing the reliance on private car through the provision of interventions to encourage a mode shift to sustainable transport. Investment in the decarbonisation of travel through the A96 Electric Corridor is also consistent with Climate Change policy. However, the Refined Package is only partially consistent with policy objectives. Whilst it is anticipated that the package will positively support modal shift and a transition to clean and alternative fuel technologies, overall the contribution towards key Climate Change policy targets of a 20% reduction in car kilometres by 2030 and reaching net zero targets by 2045 may be limited by the inclusion of bypasses of Elgin and Keith. Whilst the new infrastructure should be designed to withstand predicted impacts of climate change it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks.

Under the Health, Safety and Wellbeing appraisal theme, it has been concluded that the option would be mostly consistent with policy objectives. Removing large numbers of through traffic from settlements through the introduction of bypasses at Keith and Elgin could improve actual and perceived feelings of safety as well as encourage more people to take up active travel for shorter everyday journeys within the settlements, supporting the idea of a 20-minute neighbourhood. The inclusion of active travel improvements and place making measures could improve actual and perceived feelings of safety as well as encourage more people to take up active travel for shorter everyday journeys within the settlements, supporting the concept of a 20-minute neighbourhood and improving health outcomes.

Under the Economic appraisal theme, this package is concluded as being mostly consistent. Rail capacity enhancements and targeted road safety improvements would enhance journey time reliability for both people and goods. The two bypasses are also anticipated to strengthen the reliability of local and regional supply chains. However, agricultural land may be required for construction for some interventions within the package so productive farming land may be lost, and the bypasses may result in a loss of passing trade.

Under the appraisal theme of Equality this package is concluded as being consistent with policy objectives. improved access and transport inclusivity for vulnerable groups through improvements to the rail network and public transport interchanges, supported by DRT and MaaS, along with enhanced active travel network coverage in settlements would enable better access to locations of employment, education, healthcare and leisure facilities. Nevertheless, further consideration of routes for active travel and public transport and the accessibility of disadvantaged communities will be required.

A96 Full Dualling

Under the appraisal theme of Environment , there would be general inconsistency with policy objectives for the A96 Full Dualling. Dualling would be expected to result in an increased number of vehicles using the transport network, as well as potentially significant negative impacts on the environment due to the scale of works such as impacts on, for example biodiversity and species, landscape quality and natural heritage. Although dualling may result in reduced traffic through settlements to improve local urban environments, the scale of the infrastructure involved has the potential to harm the quality of rural spaces.

Under the appraisal theme of Climate Change, A96 Full Dualling is considered as being generally inconsistent with policy objectives. A96 Full Dualling would encourage the continued use of vehicles for private and freight use and would not support the target of 20% reduction in car kilometres and meeting net zero by 2045. This option does not promote a shift towards alternative modes of transport and would likely increase the number of road users due to easier access and reliability of the road network.

A96 Full Dualling is considered to have partial consistency with the appraisal theme of Health, Safety and Wellbeing . Full dualling would likely improve the overall safe operation of the network through provision of safer overtaking options and provides the opportunity to remove traffic and congestion from the bypassed towns. This in turn would provide a positive impact on health and wellbeing. However, it is likely to reinforce the use of private vehicles for journeys and fails to provide attractive alternatives to benefit health outcomes and general wellbeing.

It is concluded that A96 Full Dualling is largely consistent with the appraisal theme of Economy . It would provide reliability and resilience benefits to freight and other road users, supporting the transport of goods and providing additional capacity for the output of food and drink largely associated with the economy of this area of Scotland. However, there is also some inconsistency as agricultural land may be lost to allow construction of the dualled trunk road with a consequent impact on local rural economies, and there is potentially a reduction in passing trade for towns bypassed by the new dualled A96 Trunk Road.

Under the appraisal theme of Equality , it is considered that full dualling would be inconsistent. A96 Full Dualling will primarily benefit those who have access to private vehicles to travel. Any impact upon the reliability or frequency of public transport remains uncertain and dependant on both the alignment of the potential dual carriageway and operator decisions with regards to service routing.

Assessment Tables

The following tables present the findings of the Policy Appraisal of the individual options assessed at the Preliminary Appraisal stage, the packages and A96 Full Dualling assessed at the Detailed Appraisal stage.

Table 3.1: Active Communities Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Consistent	Would support modal shift to active travel from private car usage and reduce subsequent emissions.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Neutral	It is anticipated that active travel routes are likely to be accommodated predominately within the existing transport infrastructure which would minimise impacts on the natural and cultural environment.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	The option would encourage modal shift to less polluting travel alternatives for the betterment of quality of place.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Consistent	New active travel within communities would potentially increase the number of everyday journeys made by active travel if it is made more convenient than private car use.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Consistent	Improved active travel networks would likely have a positive impact for creating a mode shift for shorter distance trips which would contribute to net zero targets.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Adaptation to the effects of climate change would be considered as part of the works to repurpose existing transport infrastructure (i.e. better surfacing and drainage of cycle paths where roadspace is reallocated). However, it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Dedicated active travel routes may encourage and improve safety for active travel users. A reduced volume of cars would improve the safety of those choosing to walk, wheel or cycle.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Consistent	Active travel routes would encourage more people within local communities to take up these modes to improve healthy travel choices.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Consistent	The option would encourage a greater uptake of active travel modes, supporting overall health and wellbeing as well as potentially reducing emissions due to less private car usage.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Consistent	Improved active travel connections within communities would encourage more journeys to be made by these modes, reducing the number of journeys made by private car.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Consistent	Improved transport connections for active modes within the community towards key services such as education and healthcare facilities.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Access to active travel would encourage more people to take up these modes, reducing the volume of private cars which would subsequently alleviate congestion and pollution to create a more reliable transport network.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	Would provide improved walking, cycling and wheeling provision, which is designated as a National Development in NPF4 (where the development is of a ‘Major’ scale). It is unlikely all improvements in this option would be of a scale significant enough to be designated as national, but cumulatively this option would contribute towards the provision of an improved active travel network in settlements.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Neutral	Does not improve freight connections but may provide an increase in the number of people commuting by active travel in communities where interventions are introduced.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Neutral	Minimal direct impact for rural communities other than for trips within the community where connections are improved within remote communities. Would not improve connectivity to other spaces and places to enhance local economies.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Benefits would only be realised if interventions are focused in disadvantaged areas, with uncertainty at this stage around locations for specific interventions.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Consistent	Providing active travel networks within communities would likely improve access to education and employment opportunities on a local scale. The option could also facilitate sustainable access for longer distance journeys connecting to public transport as part of multi-modal trips.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Consistent	Providing active travel networks within communities would likely improve fair and equal access to healthcare services on a local scale as is it supports low cost modes available to most people in some form. The option could also facilitate fair access for longer distance journeys connecting to public transport as part of multi-modal trips.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Consistent	Active travel modes are a sustainable alternative to private car usage for shorter trips that would contribute to the transition to net zero.

Table 3.2: Active Connections Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Consistent	Improved access to active travel routes/networks may encourage a modal shift to less polluting modes.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	A new long distance active travel connection may provide a more sustainable way for people to enjoy the natural and cultural environment. Potential for negative impacts due to the construction of new offline cycle routes green spaces.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	Improved access to active travel routes/networks may encourage modal shift to less polluting alternatives for trips between communities.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Consistent	Improved active travel routes/networks between communities would encourage the use of active modes and reduce the number of journeys made by private car.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Consistent	Longer distance active travel connections would encourage more people to make journeys by active modes, reducing the number of journeys made by private car and associated carbon emissions.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Adaptation to the effects of climate change would be considered as part of the works to deliver the new infrastructure (i.e. permeable surfacing and drainage of cycle paths) so the active connections could still be utilised even at times of extreme weather events. However, it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Providing more segregated and traffic free routes, including at junctions, would increase opportunities for safe crossings in rural areas, reducing the negative perceptions of safety.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Consistent	Active travel routes would encourage more people within local communities to take up active modes such as walking, wheeling or cycling which would help to improve healthy travel choices.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Consistent	The option would encourage a greater uptake of active travel modes, supporting overall health and wellbeing as well as potentially reducing emissions due to less private car usage.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	The option would directly enhance the provision of non-motorised transport through the implementation of longer distance active travel networks, but this is not likely to benefit the creation of 20-minute neighbourhoods.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Consistent	Improved connections for active modes between communities could enhance access for those using these modes for travel towards key services such as education and healthcare facilities.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Active connections would offer alternative travel options for those travelling between communities, enhancing resilience in case of incidents on the road/rail network. The option may also reduce the volume of private cars which could subsequently alleviate congestion and pollution to create a more reliable transport network.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	The option would provide improved walking, cycling and wheeling provision, which is designated as a National Development in NPF4 (where the development is of a 'Major' scale). It is unlikely all improvements in this option would be of a scale significant enough to be designated as national, but cumulatively this option would contribute towards the provision of an improved active travel network between settlements.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Neutral	Minimal direct impact.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Neutral	Minimal direct impact for rural communities although the option could increase the opportunities for people to access rural communities for employment and broaden the potential workforce for local businesses who operate in rural areas.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option provides facilities to support low-cost travel options for travel between communities along the corridor. Benefits would only be realised if interventions connect disadvantaged areas and communities, with uncertainty at this stage around the specific route of the intervention.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Consistent	Providing longer distance active travel connections would improve the opportunities for people to use sustainable and affordable modes to access to education and employment opportunities.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Consistent	Better longer distance active travel connections provided by this option would improve fair and equal access to healthcare facilities as is it supports low cost modes available to most people in some form
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Neutral	Minimal impact.

Table 3.3: Improved Public Transport Passenger Interchange Facilities Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Consistent	Could encourage a modal shift to more sustainable public transport modes.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	New facilities and enhancements to existing have the potential for negative environmental effects during construction. This would be dependent on the nature and location of the proposals and sensitivity of the environment.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	The improvement of existing facilities and any creation of new facilities that include aspects such as retail could have wider community benefits and help achieve a 20-minute neighbourhood.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Neutral	Improved passenger facilities may result in some modal shift away from car but the likely impact on reducing car kilometres is anticipated to be minor unless combined with other options.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Consistent	Improving the efficiency and attractiveness of public transport trips may result in reduced car journeys which would help to meet the net zero target.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Neutral	Minimal direct impact, although Potential for decarbonisation of rail network but not specifically mentioned in relation to this option.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Improved passenger facilities could increase perceived and actual safety and security, through for example improved lighting and CCTV coverage, passenger assistance and better accessibility for those with reduced mobility, impaired vision or hearing, or those who are neurodiverse.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Consistent	Provides improved access to public transport and/or active travel that may encourage multimodal travel with people choosing to combine modes to undertake a journey.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Consistent	Where facilities are associated with improved placemaking and urban realm, these could enhance communities as places.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option would provide better integration of modes to improve multimodal journey accessibility. However, new routes would not be provided and therefore access to critical services is dependent upon the existing sustainable access to critical services.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Increasing the attractiveness of public transport as an alternative to car travel increases resilience. Increasing modal transfer away from car would also reduce congestion to slightly improve reliability.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Neutral	The option does not directly provide better freight connections but may provide better access to employment hubs for individuals where interventions are introduced.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Neutral	This option would not provide new connections for goods to be bought and sold to enhance rural economies.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option would make not impact services directly and public transport routes, and therefore disadvantaged communities with limited current access would remain without this access. However, there is the potential to introduce or enhance facilities in disadvantaged communities to provide sustainable connections.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Improved passenger facilities would encourage a mode shift to public transport modes for travel to education and employment opportunities. However, there would be no change to actual routes, and therefore disadvantaged communities with limited access would not benefit from the option
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option would not provide any new transport access to healthcare services. However, it may become a more attractive travel option if an integrated ticketing system is introduced/improved wider connectivity. The option would also provide accessibility improvements at interchange points to improve equality for those with impairments.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Neutral	Minimal impact.

Table 3.4: Bus priority measures and Park and Ride Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Consistent	Improving bus times would likely encourage a larger uptake in bus journeys which may reduce private car use and related emissions.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconsistent	Potential negative impacts if construction of new infrastructure is required. This could impact watercourses and land requirements where park and ride sites would be delivered, and potential localised environmental impacts on biodiversity.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	Improved bus priority may encourage a modal shift to less polluting alternatives to cars, which may in turn reduce congestion in residential and mixed use areas.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Consistent	The option would encourage more trips to be made by bus rather than private car leading to a reduction in car kilometres travelled.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Consistent	The option would encourage more trips to be made by bus rather than private car leading to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and thus positively contributing to the net zero emissions target.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Adaptation to the effects of climate change would be considered as part of the works to deliver the new infrastructure (i.e. permeable surfacing and drainage of any new road infrastructure) so the priority lanes or any potential park and ride sites could still be utilised even at times of extreme weather events. However, it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Neutral	Minimal direct impact.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Neutral	There may be a slight improvement on the number of road traffic accidents if car use was reduced but the impact is expected to be minimal.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Consistent	The option would promote bus travel as an alternative to car trips, and likely to involve users walking, wheeling or cycling to and from stops as part of a multimodal journey. Encouraging a mode shift away from car would contribute to healthier travel choices through reduced transport related emissions.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Consistent	Encouraging travel by bus through a reliable service could support active travel, combined journeys to access bus stops at origin and final destination.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	Encouraging travel by bus through a reliable service could support active travel as part of an overall journey to access bus stops at the origin and final destination but any impact is likely to be minimal.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Consistent	The option would encourage a mode shift away from car to a more sustainable mode and increase travel choices for access to critical services. .
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Improved and/or introduction of new dedicated bus lanes would enhance the provision of a reliable alternative to private car while offering enhanced resilience for buses as well.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	Improvements for the bus network would support future growth areas along the A96 corridor.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Neutral	Does not improve freight connections directly but may encourage a minor shift for commuters to use public transport for commuting journeys.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Neutral	Minimal direct impact for the local economies within rural communities.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option would improve low cost travel options that is more accessible for disadvantaged communities. However, on account of uncertainty around the specific locations of interventions this may not support connections to and from more disadvantaged communities.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Consistent	Improvements to the reliability of bus services would provide enhanced affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities by a more sustainable mode than private car.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Consistent	The option would provide and enhance efficient and affordable bus services as a transport option which can accommodate all users.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Consistent	Reliable bus services would provide a more attractive alternative to private car use or for those without access to a car.

Table 3.5: Investment in Demand Responsive Transport and Mobility as a Service Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Consistent	There may be a reduction in transport related emissions as a result of encouraging a modal shift to more sustainable transport modes.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Neutral	No new infrastructure required to be constructed so this is likely to have a no impact on the natural or cultural environment.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	No new infrastructure required to be constructed so this is likely to have no impact on blue networks and waterbodies.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	The option is likely to encourage a modal shift to more sustainable public transport options, particularly buses, instead of private car.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Consistent	The interventions as part of this option would increase the attractiveness of public transport, which may encourage a shift away from private car that reduced the car kilometres travelled.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Neutral	Potential reduction of private car use but the impact on reaching net zero targets any impact is likely to be very minor.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Consistent	Option has the ability to adapt and provide alternative travel options in response to incidents, including those brought about by climate change.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Improved confidence and security for those using the services, including for those who may currently live far from their nearest public transport stop.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Consistent	Could provide an alternative transport option that includes an aspect of active travel to increase healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Neutral	May encourage very minor increases in active travel for the origin and destination aspects of the journey but overall impact likely to be minimal.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Consistent	The option would deliver better access to healthcare and wellbeing infrastructure for those currently underserved by traditional public transport modes.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Locations which have limited public transport coverage could see significant benefits from improved connectivity with greater reliability of services and resilience to incidents on the network.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	Could increase access to employment opportunities, education and other services to those without access currently, with subsequent benefits for the economy.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Consistent	Potential to have a positive wider economic impact in increased employment for those from rural areas that are underserved by traditional public transport services.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Consistent	Potential for improved accessibility and social inclusion for those who rely upon public transport. Upgrading and improving these services would support disadvantaged communities where access to DRT and MaaS is provided.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Providing transport links that did not previously exist would have a positive impact on affordability for those eligible for free travel. Possible impact on affordability for users depending on fare charges.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Consistent	Providing flexible transport links in underserved locations that did not previously exist would have a positive impact on providing fair and equal access to healthcare services.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Neutral	Minimal impact.

Table 3.6: Introduction of Rail Freight Terminals Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Consistent	Could lead to a modal shift for freight towards more sustainable modes e.g. rail rather than road.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconsistent	It would likely require greenfield land-take to construct; however, the significance of this impact would be dependent on location and design.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	A reduction in the number of freight vehicles within settlements would support the creation of high quality places.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Neutral	May increase the amount of freight transported via rail, removing some HGVs from the road network but this is unlikely to reduce the number of private cars.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Neutral	If freight is instead transported via rail then this could reduce the emissions associated with HGVs and positively impact on the net zero targets, but the impact is likely to be minimal. The level of benefits would also depend on the decarbonisation of the rail network.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Neutral	Potential for decarbonisation of the rail network but this is not linked directly to this option.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Reducing the overall kilometres travelled by goods vehicles could improve overall safety performance of the road network due to reduced frequencies of collisions and subsequent casualties.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	No provision for non-motorised transport links or facilities but a reduction in HGVs in communities could allow for a healthier environment and more liveable place, though this is dependent on location as there may be localised increases in good vehicles to access the freight terminal.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Neutral	It has the potential to remove some larger freight vehicles from the roads but this needs to be set in advance to be added to the rail timetable. It would not provide any reliable alternative to the public for daily journeys.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	Improved freight connections by rail would support future development in the region.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	Better freight connections via rail would support and improve businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK given the likely longer length of journeys to be undertaken.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Neutral	Unlikely for any user-groups outside of business and enterprise are likely to benefit from this option due to the commercial facing nature of the option.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Neutral	Minimal impact. This option would not provide transport connections to and from disadvantaged communities as it would be servicing freight instead.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Neutral	Minimal impact. This option would not provide transport provision for people.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Neutral	Minimal impact. This option would not provide transport provision for people.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Neutral	Minimal impact. This option would not provide transport provision for people.

Table 3.7: Linespeed, Passenger and Freight Capacity Improvements on the Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Line Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Consistent	Increasing the capacity on the rail line would allow more people and freight to travel by train, reducing noise and improving air pollution.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconsistent	The creation of a new freight terminal and dualling of existing lengths of track may potentially have negative environmental effects during construction and operation.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option may induce a mode shift that would reduce the number of cars travelling through settlements, improving the urban realm. However, there would likely be some level of disruption to the environment in more rural locations.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Consistent	Increased capacity on the rail line would mean more people could travel via train and thus positively contribute to the reduction of private car kilometres travelled.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Consistent	Increasing the capacity of the rail line would encourage more people and goods to travel by train, reducing vehicular emissions which therefore would help to meet net zero targets.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option is potentially vulnerable to the effects of climate change impacting existing railway and drainage systems. However, construction would consider climate impacts as new infrastructure would be designed in such a way to minimise the potential effects of climate change and reduce the vulnerability of the rail network at specific locations.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Neutral	Potential for decarbonisation of the rail network but this is not linked directly to this option.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Neutral	The option would promote a modal shift away from car which may result in a slight reduction in road traffic accidents due to reduced car reliance and use but the impact is expected to be minimal.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Consistent	The option would promote rail as an alternative to car trips, and likely to involve users walking, wheeling or cycling to and from stations as part of a multimodal journey. Encouraging a mode shift away from car would contribute to healthier travel choices through reduced transport related emissions.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Neutral	Minimal direct impact but a mode shift away from car may have minor benefits in improving air quality and creating liveable places.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Consistent	Would improve access to critical services in urban areas served by a rail station, including Inverness, Aberdeen and Elgin.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	A reduction in the reliance on private cars would reduce congestion, and the dualling of tracks would provide greater reliability and resilience for rail services.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	Option is in support of the aim for an improved rail network.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	Better freight connections via trains would support businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK. Likely to assist in bolstering the local economies of settlements in the corridor served by a rail station.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Consistent	The option would improve sustainable access to employment opportunities for residents, including those in rural communities, and increase the labour catchment for businesses.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Neutral	The option is unlikely to impact on ticketing and prices and communities without access to a rail station would be unlikely to see any noticeable accessibility improvements.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Neutral	Improved rail line capacity would likely provide a more reliable service but would also depend on ticketing and prices which tend to be higher for rail than other public transport modes.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Consistent	The option would improve journey times that would improve access to healthcare services, albeit predominantly affecting communities where there is an existing rail station.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Reliable public transport options would provide an alternative to private car use. However, it is expected that rail fares may be unaffordable for those on lower incomes.

Table 3.8: Improved Parking Provision at Railway Stations Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option could result in positive effects for air quality if it creates a modal shift towards rail and reduces the use of private vehicles. However, there is the potential that there would be an increase in car use for shorter trips including travelling to the station.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Slight negative impact due to construction of new car parking areas, although it is likely that no significant environmental designations would be affected by this option.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	If the option reduces the number or distance of private car journeys, it may contribute to improved quality of places with less traffic. However, there may also be increased localised noise and air pollution in areas around the railway station.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option could reduce the car kilometres made by private vehicles as people would have greater opportunities to make longer distance trains by train. However, there is the potential that there would be an increase in car use for shorter trips including travelling to the station.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Improving the attractiveness of rail travel by increasing parking provision may reduce the number of longer distance car journeys which would help to meet net zero targets. If provision of parking facilities for electric vehicles (EVs)/Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) was also increased, this may aid the contribution to net zero targets. However, shorter distance trips using cars for travel to the railway station may increase, which would not contribute to meeting net zero targets.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	If provision of EV/ULEV parking facilities was increased as part of the option, this would aid the transition to net zero. However, the design of increased parking facilities is currently uncertain and continued reliance upon cars that have not been decarbonised would not support the promotion of best use of clean fuels/decarbonising travel.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Neutral	The option would have minimal impact on active travel or encouraging healthy travel choices.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Neutral	There may be some minor negative impacts if shorter distance trips increase towards rail station parking, but any impact is likely to be minimal.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Impact on sustainable access to critical services is dependent on the potential mode shift for longer trips to access critical services which is uncertain at this stage.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Increasing the availability of station parking would likely result in increased demand on the rail network. Increased parking provision would provide an alternative mode of transport in case of incidents on the road network, enhancing resilience.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Neutral	Minimal impact though may increase trips to rural communities that have a rail station.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconsistent	This option would not provide new or improved transport connections to and/or from disadvantaged communities.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Neutral	Minimal impact - the affordability of ticketing would need to be considered as well as possible parking charges. It is unlikely that this option would provide any access to education or employment that is not already existing.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Inconsistent	The option predominantly impacts those who have access to a private car. There would be no significant impact for protected groups who do not have access to a car.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Neutral	Minimal impact.

Table 3.9: Targeted Road Safety Improvements Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Inconsistent	Likely to increase private vehicle use and therefore has the potential to also increase emissions. Targeted improvements would relate to the existing transport network so there would be no means to improve air quality in settlements by removing traffic.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Targeted road safety improvements are likely to occur on existing stretches of trunk road and therefore may not cause any additional negative impacts on the surrounding environment, but some schemes may require land take from surrounding areas that would impact on the natural environment.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Targeted road safety improvements would improve users’ sense of safety and could positively contribute to high quality placemaking depending on the location of interventions. Any increase in car usage may negatively impact upon air quality and noise.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Inconsistent	Improved road conditions and any increase in capacity through overtaking opportunities or partial-dualling may encourage further use of private cars.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Inconsistent	Should the option encourage more vehicle trips over sustainable modes, then it would not contribute to net zero targets in the long term. However, the impact would depend on the nature and location of the improvements.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Adaptation to the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events, could be considered as part of the works to deliver the safety improvements (i.e. high-grip road surfacing and enhanced drainage systems to clear water). However, it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Neutral	Minimal impact, although an improved road network would facilitate the growth of EV/ULEVs in the future.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Likely to have a significantly positive impact as the range of safety improvements considered, such as the increased overtaking opportunities or junction improvements, would reduce driver frustration and provide safer conditions for all road users.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Some improvements may be targeted at reducing conflict between active modes and vehicles. If there was a notable safety improvement for non-motorised transport at locations, this could support healthy travel choices.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Consistent	The option would be intended to provide safer driving conditions for public and private transport by all modes, supporting the creation of healthy and liveable places. This is likely to offset any potential increase in traffic.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The impact of road safety improvements depends upon location, type of intervention and the modes affected.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Improved road safety measures would predominantly benefit those travelling by car using the trunk road network but there may be some consideration of more sustainable modes of transport at specific locations, though this is yet to be determined.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Improved road safety would positively contribute to supporting the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network due to reduced risk of road closures because of accidents and potentially increased capacity should overtaking opportunities be increased.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	Targeted road safety measures would improve the quality of development in future growth areas through a more reliable and safer trunk road network.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	Improved road safety along the A96 corridor would reduce incidents to improve the reliability and resilience for road freight that may allow businesses to be more competitive.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Consistent	Proposed road safety improvements are predicted to contribute towards reduced journey times and improved journey time reliability for businesses that may enhance rural economies.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	A minor positive impact on sustainable and affordable transport access to education and employment may be anticipated through enhanced reliability and resilience of infrastructure but would mostly benefit private car use and the impact is dependent on location of interventions and whether benefits are experienced by active modes or public transport.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Improved journey times to access healthcare services but would mostly benefit private car users. Any impact on fair and equal transport access would be dependent on location of interventions and whether benefits are experienced by active modes or public transport
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Neutral	Minimal impact on the transition to net zero with most benefits being experienced by cars and road based transport modes.

Table 3.10: Elgin Bypass Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option may worsen air quality due to anticipated increases in overall traffic demand but may improve the localised air quality along the A96 within Elgin itself by removing through trips.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconsistent	It would likely require greenfield land take to construct the bypass; however, the significance of the impact would be dependent on the location and design.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	Removal or at least a significant reduction in the number of vehicles travelling through Elgin would support the creation of high quality places, with improved residential amenity and less severance of communities.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Inconsistent	A bypass may increase the overall use of private vehicles by reducing congestion and improving journey times.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Inconsistent	The option may increase the overall use of private vehicles which would not contribute towards the net zero targets.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	New infrastructure would be designed in such a way to minimise the potential effects of climate change and the option could provide alternative routing options for vehicles in response to, for example, extreme weather events. However, it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Neutral	Minimal impact, although an improved road network would facilitate the growth of EV/ULEVs in the future.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Removing traffic from the settlement via a bypass would reduce conflicts and increase pedestrian and cyclist confidence when using shared road spaces.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Likely to see continued use and reliance upon vehicles. However, removing through traffic from the town centre would be complimentary to the incorporation of active travel within the settlement for shorter everyday trips.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Removing through traffic from Elgin may encourage more people to take up active travel in and around the settlement. However, this could also result in a reduction in passing trade through settlements, impacting upon liveability.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	No direct enhancement of non-motorised transport but there is potential that fewer vehicles in the settlement may encourage increased trips by active travel.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Neutral	Minimal impact on sustainable transport modes directly. However, any reduction in traffic within the settlement may encourage more active travel trips and there may be benefits to bus services if congestion was significantly reduced.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Reduction of congestion in Elgin and increased road capacity for through trips in case of incidents either on the bypass or on the existing A96 through the settlement.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	New bypasses would provide better accessibility for through traffic which in turn could support the growth of key industries in the North East of Scotland, including accessibility between key ports/blue economy and opportunities for large scale green energy infrastructure facilities.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	Reduced conflict between local and longer-distance traffic would improve journey times for transporting goods, enabling businesses to remain competitive locally and further afield.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option would support local businesses for transporting of goods, with improved efficiency. However, there is a possible loss of productive agricultural land from construction and a reduction in passing trade.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	A bypass could enhance the opportunities for rural and local communities to access key services. However, due to the cost and unsustainability of private cars this may not be accessible for all unless the bypass supports an enhanced bus network for example.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	A bypass could enhance the opportunities for rural and local communities to access key services. However, due to the cost and inequalities for those without access to a private car, this may not be accessible for all unless the bypass supports an enhanced bus network for example.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Neutral	Minimal impact on the transition to net zero.

Table 3.11: Keith Bypass Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option may worsen air quality due to anticipated increases in overall traffic demand but may improve the localised air quality along the A96 within Keith itself by removing through trips.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconsistent	It would likely require greenfield land take to construct the bypass; however, the significance of the impact would be dependent on the location and design.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	Removal or at least a significant reduction in the number of vehicles travelling through Keith would support the creation of high quality places, with improved residential amenity and less severance of communities.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Inconsistent	A bypass may increase the overall use of private vehicles by reducing congestion and improving journey times.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Inconsistent	The option may increase the overall use of private vehicles which would not contribute towards the net zero targets.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	New infrastructure would be designed in such a way to minimise the potential effects of climate change and the option could provide alternative routing options for vehicles in response to, for example, extreme weather events. However, it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Neutral	Minimal impact, although an improved road network would facilitate the growth of EV/ULEVs in the future.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Removing traffic from the settlement via a bypass would reduce conflicts and increase pedestrian and cyclist confidence when using shared road spaces.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Likely to see continued use and reliance upon vehicles. However, removing through traffic from the town centre would be complimentary to the incorporation of active travel within the settlement for shorter everyday trips.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Removing through traffic from Keith may encourage more people to take up active travel in and around the settlement. However, this could also result in a reduction in passing trade through settlements, impacting upon liveability.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	No direct enhancement of non-motorised transport but there is potential that fewer vehicles in the settlement may encourage increased trips by active travel.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Neutral	Minimal impact on sustainable transport modes directly. However, any reduction in traffic within the settlement may encourage more active travel trips and there may be benefits to bus services if congestion was significantly reduced.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Reduction of congestion in Keith and increased road capacity for through trips in case of incidents either on the bypass or on the existing A96 through the settlement.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	New bypasses would provide better accessibility for through traffic which in turn could support the growth of key industries in the North East of Scotland, including accessibility between key ports/blue economy and opportunities for large scale green energy infrastructure facilities.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	Reduced conflict between local and longer-distance traffic would improve journey times for transporting goods, enabling businesses to remain competitive locally and further afield.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option would support local businesses for transporting of goods, with improved efficiency. However, there is a possible loss of productive agricultural land and a reduction in passing trade.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	A bypass could enhance the opportunities for rural and local communities to access key services. However, due to the cost and unsustainability of private cars this may not be accessible for all unless the bypass supports an enhanced bus network for example.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	A bypass could enhance the opportunities for rural and local communities to access key services. However, due to the cost and inequalities for those without access to a private car this may not be accessible for all unless the bypass supports an enhanced bus network for example.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Neutral	Minimal impact on the transition to net zero.

Table 3.12: Inverurie Bypass Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option may worsen air quality due to anticipated increases in overall traffic demand but may improve the localised air quality along the A96 within Inverurie itself by removing through trips.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconsistent	It would likely require greenfield land take to construct the bypass; however, the significance of the impact would be dependent on the location and design.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	Removal or at least a significant reduction in the number of vehicles travelling through Inverurie would support the creation of high quality places, with improved residential amenity and less severance of communities.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Inconsistent	A bypass may increase the overall use of private vehicles by reducing congestion and improving journey times.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Inconsistent	The option may increase the overall use of private vehicles which would not contribute towards the net zero targets.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	New infrastructure would be designed in such a way to minimise the potential effects of climate change and the option could provide alternative routing options for vehicles in response to, for example, extreme weather events. However, it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Neutral	Minimal impact, although an improved road network would facilitate the growth of EV/ULEVs in the future.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Removing traffic from the settlement via a bypass would reduce conflicts and increase pedestrian and cyclist confidence when using shared road spaces.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Likely to see continued use and reliance upon vehicles. However, removing through traffic from the town centre would be complimentary to the incorporation of active travel within the settlement for shorter everyday trips.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Removing through traffic from Inverurie may encourage more people to take up active travel in and around the settlement. However, this could also result in a reduction in passing trade through settlements, impacting upon liveability.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	No direct enhancement of non-motorised transport but there is potential that fewer vehicles in the settlement may encourage increased trips by active travel.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Neutral	Minimal impact on sustainable transport modes directly. However, any reduction in traffic within the settlement may encourage more active travel trips and there may be benefits to bus services if congestion was significantly reduced.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Reduction of congestion in Inverurie and increased road capacity for through trips in case of incidents either on the bypass or on the existing A96 through the settlement.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	New bypasses would provide better accessibility for through traffic which in turn could support the growth of key industries in the North East of Scotland, including accessibility between key ports/blue economy and opportunities for large scale green energy infrastructure facilities.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	Reduced conflict between local and longer-distance traffic would improve journey times for transporting goods, enabling businesses to remain competitive locally and further afield.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option would support local businesses for transporting of goods, with improved efficiency. However, there is a possible loss of productive agricultural land and a reduction in passing trade.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	A bypass could enhance the opportunities for rural and local communities to access key services. However, due to the cost and unsustainability of private cars this may not be accessible for all unless the bypass supports an enhanced bus network for example.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	A bypass could enhance the opportunities for rural and local communities to access key services. However, due to the cost and inequalities for those without access to a private car this may not be accessible for all unless the bypass supports an enhanced bus network for example.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Neutral	Minimal impact on the transition to net zero.

Table 3.13: Forres Bypass Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option may worsen air quality due to anticipated increases in overall traffic demand but may improve the localised air quality along the A96 within Forres itself by removing through trips.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconsistent	It would likely require greenfield land take to construct the bypass; however, the significance of the impact would be dependent on the location and design.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	Removal or at least a significant reduction in the number of vehicles travelling through Forres would support the creation of high quality places, with improved residential amenity and less severance of communities.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Inconsistent	A bypass may increase the overall use of private vehicles by reducing congestion and improving journey times.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Inconsistent	The option may increase the overall use of private vehicles which would not contribute towards the net zero targets.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	New infrastructure would be designed in such a way to minimise the potential effects of climate change and the option could provide alternative routing options for vehicles in response to, for example, extreme weather events. However, it is likely to remain subject to damage from extreme weather, as is the case for the existing transport networks.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Neutral	Minimal impact, although an improved road network would facilitate the growth of EV/ULEVs in the future.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Removing traffic from the settlement via a bypass would reduce conflicts and increase pedestrian and cyclist confidence when using shared road spaces.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Likely to see continued use and reliance upon vehicles. However, removing through traffic from the town centre would be complimentary to the incorporation of active travel within the settlement for shorter everyday trips.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Removing through traffic from Forres may encourage more people to take up active travel in and around the settlement. However, this could also result in a reduction in passing trade through settlements, impacting upon liveability.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	No direct enhancement of non-motorised transport but there is potential that fewer vehicles in the settlement may encourage increased trips by active travel.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Neutral	Minimal impact on sustainable transport modes directly. However, any reduction in traffic within the settlement may encourage more active travel trips and there may be benefits to bus services if congestion was significantly reduced.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Reduction of congestion in Forres and increased road capacity for through trips in case of incidents either on the bypass or on the existing A96 through the settlement.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	New bypasses would provide better accessibility for through traffic which in turn could support the growth of key industries in the North East of Scotland, including accessibility between key ports/blue economy and opportunities for large scale green energy infrastructure facilities.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	Reduced conflict between local and longer-distance traffic would improve journey times for transporting goods, enabling businesses to remain competitive locally and further afield.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option would support local businesses for transporting of goods, with improved efficiency. However, there is a possible loss of productive agricultural land and a reduction in passing trade.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	A bypass could enhance the opportunities for rural and local communities to access key services. However, due to the cost and unsustainability of private cars this may not be accessible for all unless the bypass supports an enhanced bus network.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	A bypass could enhance the opportunities for rural and local communities to access key services. However, due to the cost and inequalities for those without access to a private car this may not be accessible for all unless the bypass supports an enhanced bus network for example.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Neutral	Minimal impact on the transition to net zero.

Table 3.14: Development of A96 Electric Corridor Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Consistent	The option supports and facilitates the transition to zero emission vehicles.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconsistent	Construction is likely to produce minor to moderate negative environmental impacts and would require the excavation and removal of soils. The extent of these impacts would depend upon final construction and location decisions.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option may result in more localised vehicle trips which would increase tyre noise but have less engine noise. The option would promote a shift to less polluting alternatives to internal combustion engine vehicles, increasing access to renewables.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option could increase alternative fuelled car vehicle kilometres; however, this is dependent on measures to be implemented to meet the policy commitment.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Consistent	Increasing capacity for alternative fuels would likely increase the attractiveness and reliability of using low/zero emission vehicles.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Consistent	Supports the expansion of access to clean fuel technologies for private and commercial vehicles.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Although not certain, the option could increase alternative fuelled car vehicle kilometres. In this situation, there may be an increase in accidents. There is also the potential that as EVs tend to be heavier, the severity of accidents may be more severe.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Neutral	Minimal impact.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option is unlikely to have an impact on addressing safety concerns as it still promotes vehicle usage. However, it would support a reduction in emissions with subsequent improvements for local air quality.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	Minimal impact on non-motorised transport modes.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Neutral	The option supports and facilitates the transition to zero emission vehicles. However, this may be offset by a potential rise in alternative fuelled car vehicle kilometres so impacts are judged to be neutral at this stage.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	It may increase the number of private cars on the road but would also provide the necessary refuelling infrastructure to enable these vehicles, such as EVs, to travel more widely in the region, thus improving the reliability of the transport network.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	The option supports the provision of decarbonised travel for residents, visitors and businesses which aligns with improved connectivity between national development/growth areas.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	Enhanced alternative refuelling facilities would Likely allow low emission vehicles to travel more seamlessly throughout the region. And encourage a greater uptake of sustainable freight vehicles.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Consistent	It is anticipated that the option would focus on implementing facilities within the communities along the route. Therefore, it would encourage people to visit communities whilst they refuel/recharge, which may have benefits to local rural economies.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconsistent	Unlikely to have any benefits for those who do not have access to a private vehicle and given the cost of owning and running some alternative fuelled vehicles, it may increase transport poverty in disadvantaged communities.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Unlikely to have any benefits for those who do not have access to a private vehicle. Currently, given the relatively high cost of purchasing alternative fuelled vehicles, this is not likely to be affordable for lower income households.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Neutral	The option supports and facilitates the transition to zero emission vehicles. However, this may be offset by a potential rise in alternative fuelled car vehicle kilometres and the option is unlikely to have any benefits for those who do not have access to a private vehicle.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	This option would encourage the use of zero emission vehicles as a more sustainable alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles. However, given the relatively high cost of purchasing alternative fuelled vehicles, this is not likely to be affordable for lower income households which may be prohibitive to a ‘just’ transition to net zero.

Table 3.15: Package 1 Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The inclusion of bypasses within this package has the potential to improve the air quality within the bypassed settlements of Elgin and Keith, and to a lesser extent Forres and Inverurie, as there would likely be a reduction in traffic on the existing A96 trunk road as it passes through these settlements. There would also be an opportunity to increase active travel opportunities within settlements through Active Communities which could have a further positive effect on air quality. The introduction of bypasses may, however, increase reliance on private vehicles due to reduced congestion and greater road capacity potentially impacting upon the air quality elsewhere on the wider A96 corridor itself. Promotion of lower and zero emission vehicles by including alternative refuelling infrastructure should help to reduce overall vehicle emissions and improve overall air quality.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The physical works associated with this package include four bypasses, improved public transport passenger interchange facilities and rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity improvements, all of which have the potential to have negative effects during the construction phase. The extent of impact would depend on scale, design and location. Creation of large scale alternative refuelling infrastructure may require land take and result in a net loss of green space. However, there could also be environmental benefits associated with improved active travel connections within settlements and placemaking enhancements, which would have a positive impact on sustainable access to natural and cultural places.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding. Consideration would be needed as to the alignment of the bypasses in terms of water crossings and bridge design.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	A reduction of traffic through settlements could result in better air quality and the opportunity to implement placemaking schemes. A modal shift to sustainable transport including bus, rail, walking, wheeling and cycling would positively contribute to the creation of high quality places.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	This package focuses on reducing the reliance on private car through the provision of interventions to encourage a mode shift to sustainable transport. However, it is anticipated that there would be a continued reliance and use of cars due to the inclusion of the four bypasses that may result in an overall increase in car kilometres.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The four bypasses included in the package may result in the A96 being a more attractive route for private vehicles to use and may lead to increased carbon emissions. Investment in sustainable transport modes, including active communities, bus priority, passenger interchange facilities, and rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity may encourage a modal shift away from private car use that contributes to a decrease in associated carbon emissions.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	If subject to the latest climate change assessment standard this should result in any new infrastructure being adapted to the predicted future impacts of climate change. However, paved surfaces of interventions included in the package such as bypasses, active travel infrastructure and bus priority measures may incur surface damage or be impacted by surface water flooding during heavy rainfall, as is the case for the existing transport networks. The location of new infrastructure, in particular bypasses, would need to consider existing flood risk and the impacts of increasing flood risk elsewhere.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Consistent	The A96 Electric Corridor option for alternative refuelling infrastructure would support and promote clean fuel technologies.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Removing through trips made by vehicles in bypassed settlements and enabling the introduction of active travel infrastructure could reduce the number and severity of road traffic accidents. This would in turn support the promotion of safe and secure travel for all. It is expected that personal security is likely to improve through an increase in the number of people walking, wheeling in and around the key communities along the A96 corridor as there would be an increase in natural surveillance.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Consistent	The package is likely to support healthy travel choices due to active travel improvements in settlements, supplemented by the reduction in traffic associated with the bypasses. The package would promote bus and rail travel as an alternative to car trips, and likely to involve users walking, wheeling or cycling to and from stops or stations as part of a multimodal journey. Encouraging a mode shift away from car would contribute to healthier travel choices through reduced transport related emissions.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Creating 'Active Communities', where more space would be provided for people rather than traffic, draws upon the '20-minute neighbourhood' concept. This option would help to create safer routes to key services such as education and encourage more inclusive environments for people walking, wheeling and cycling. Bypasses would remove through traffic from the existing A96 in settlements, which would allow for improved air quality and a healthier environment, though may impact on liveability if there was a reduction in passing trade.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Consistent	Introduction of Active Communities would support and provide space for people rather than traffic and the '20-minute neighbourhood'. This option would help to create safer routes to key services such as education and encourage more inclusive environments for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The removal of through trips in bypassed towns would supplement the benefits brought about by Active Communities.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Consistent	The package could see a modal shift to sustainable transport including bus, rail, walking, wheeling and cycling. Increasing the opportunities to travel by these modes would create opportunities for communities to access key services such as education, employment opportunities and healthcare. This would reduce transport poverty for disadvantaged and vulnerable users and improve mobility and inclusion. DRT services included in this package do not follow a fixed route. The services provide flexibility, allowing for wider network coverage which could provide an alternative mode of transport when accessing healthcare services.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	It is anticipated that this package would reduce delays to business journeys and improve the reliability of the trunk road network through the inclusion of bypasses. Improved reliability and resilience benefits to freight and other users are predicted as a result of reducing the impact of accidents on the trunk road network. Further benefits would be anticipated through the rail improvements as part of this package, with capacity enhancements increasing the reliability and resilience for train journeys. Provision of bus priority measures should reduce both journey times and journey time variability, providing a more reliable service which would instil confidence in users.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	Bypasses could support sustainable inclusive growth by improving the connectivity between businesses and the labour market and improving the efficiency of the movement of goods along the corridor. Improving access through well designed active travel and public transport infrastructure can improve economic performance of local settlements due to increased footfall. NPF4 developments are not specific to the corridor but relate to a wider area for maximising the economic potential of blue infrastructure in the North Sea and Moray coast and renewable energy and transmission. The package improvements would support improved passenger and freight travel along the corridor which would support delivery of the NPF4 spatial strategy.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	This package is likely to provide opportunities to widen the labour market, providing greater access to key centres of employment, education and training, particularly for those who can drive or via the rail network. Bypasses could support sustainable inclusive growth by improving the connectivity between businesses and the labour market and improving the efficiency of the movement of goods along the corridor due to the likely associated reliability improvements on the trunk road network.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The package would support local businesses transporting goods, improving efficiencies by reducing incidents on the road network and increasing the capacity of the rail line. It would also improve the accessibility to and from rural areas to employment opportunities through interventions such as DRT and MaaS. However, construction of some interventions, notably the bypasses, may result in a loss of productive agricultural land and would also likely result in a reduction in passing trade.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconclusive	The inclusion of DRT and MaaS would be expected to result in an improvement to the public transport network, which could lead to improved inclusivity through increased accessibility, including for those from disadvantaged communities who may have a lack of traditional public transport services. Improving the quality of passenger interchange facilities would also improve the travel experience for those without access to a car, which can be those from lower income households. However, at this stage there is uncertainty as to whether there would be a defined improvement in the accessibility of disadvantaged communities until new routes for active travel and the location of public transport improvements are selected.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Consistent	The interventions included in this package targeted at active travel modes and public transport improvements are likely to provide opportunities to widen the labour market, providing greater access to key centres of employment, education and training by sustainable modes. There is unlikely to be any major impact on the affordability of travel, with public transport ticketing and fares not likely to change. However, active travel improvements in settlements, supplemented by the bypasses, could have notable benefits for sustainable and affordable access to employment opportunities and education.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Consistent	The DRT and MaaS, rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity improvements and active communities interventions are expected to enhance inclusiveness by improving fair and equal sustainable travel options to access healthcare services.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Consistent	The interventions included in this package targeted at active travel modes and public transport improvements are likely to encourage a sustainable mode shift that contributes towards a ‘just’ transition to net zero. Active communities would promote low cost travel within settlements to replace shorter trips currently made by motorised modes. Bus priority measures and rail improvements would also offer alternative options to a car to enhance accessibility to key services and employment opportunities.

Table 3.16: Package 2 Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Consistent	The package aims to promote vehicles with lower or no emissions through the inclusion of alternative refuelling infrastructure and facilities should help reduce vehicle emissions and improve overall air quality. Active travel interventions within settlements to promote walking and cycling, as well as public transport improvements, should also contribute to reducing vehicle movement and subsequently lower emissions. Targeted improvements for road safety would not in isolation be likely to improve air quality, but overall the package is anticipated to be broadly consistent with this objective.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The physical works associated with implementing this package include increasing active travel opportunities within settlements, improving public transport interchanges, and rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity improvements, all of which have the potential to have negative effects on environmental features during the construction phase. The extent of impact would depend on scale, design and location. Creation of large-scale alternative refuelling infrastructure may also require land take and result in a net loss of green space. However, there could also be environmental benefits associated with improved active travel connections within settlements and placemaking enhancements, which would have a positive impact on sustainable access to and enjoyment of natural and cultural places.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	The interventions included in the package could encourage a modal shift to sustainable transport including bus, rail, walking, wheeling and cycling. The increased opportunities to travel by these modes would be beneficial for creating high quality places with public spaces not being dominated by cars.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Consistent	Improvements for active travel are not expected to make a significant contribution towards reduction in car kilometres. However, there is also potential for a mode shift towards public transport due to improvements to bus, rail and interchanges which would positively contribute to a reduction in car kilometres.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Consistent	Investment in sustainable transport modes, including active communities, bus priority, passenger interchange facilities, and rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity may encourage a modal shift away from private car use that contributes to a decrease in associated carbon emissions.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	If subject to the latest climate change assessment standard this should result in any new infrastructure being adapted to the predicted future impacts of climate change. However, paved surfaces for active travel infrastructure, road safety improvements and potential bus priority measures might incur surface damage or be impacted by surface water flooding during heavy rainfall, as is the case for the existing transport networks. The location of new infrastructure would need to consider existing flood risk and the impacts of increasing flood risk elsewhere.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Consistent	The A96 Electric Corridor option for alternative refuelling infrastructure would support and promote clean fuel technologies.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Targeted road safety improvements are proposed for locations identified as having a higher rate of incidents. This would improve perceptions of safety risk and reduce accident frequencies and severity in line with national reduction targets. Reducing overall vehicle trips with increased amounts of active travel and public transport use within settlements would also positively contribute to fewer accidents on the network. Public transport interchange improvements may also improve personal security and make a safer network for travellers.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Consistent	The package is likely to support healthy travel choices due to active travel improvements in selected settlements. The package would promote bus and rail travel as an alternative to car trips, and likely to involve users walking, wheeling or cycling to and from stops or stations as part of a multimodal journey. Encouraging a mode shift away from car would contribute to healthier travel choices through reduced transport related emissions.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Consistent	Targeted safety improvements would help with perceived safety, reduce accident frequency and severity contributing to the positive creation of liveable places. The package would provide infrastructure for active travel within communities for shorter everyday trips. This would improve amenity in communities as centres become more about people and sense of place rather than the connection of roads. Improved public realm would allow for the gathering and socialisation of people. This in turn would likely influence more people to utilise public spaces for healthy lifestyle habits (running, walking, cycling etc).
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Consistent	Introduction of Active Communities would support and provide space for people rather than traffic and the '20-minute neighbourhood'. This option would help to create safer routes to key services such as education and encourage more inclusive environments for people walking, wheeling and cycling.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Consistent	The package could see a modal shift to sustainable transport including bus, rail, walking, wheeling and cycling. Increasing the opportunities to travel by these modes would create opportunities for communities to access key services such as education, employment opportunities and healthcare. This would reduce transport poverty for disadvantaged and vulnerable users and improve mobility and inclusion. DRT services included in this package do not follow a fixed route. The services provide flexibility, allowing for wider network coverage which could provide an alternative mode of transport when accessing healthcare services.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Improved reliability and resilience benefits to freight and other users are predicted as a result of reducing the impact of accidents on the trunk road network brought about through bypasses and targeted road safety measures. Further benefits would be anticipated through the rail improvements as part of this package, with capacity enhancements increasing the reliability and resilience for train journeys. Provision of bus priority measures should reduce both journey times and journey time variability, providing a more reliable service which would instil confidence in users.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	Improving access through well designed active travel and public transport infrastructure can improve economic performance of local settlements due to increased footfall. NPF4 developments are not specific to the corridor but relate to a wider area for maximising the economic potential of blue infrastructure in the North Sea and Moray coast and renewable energy and transmission. The package improvements would support improved passenger and freight travel along the corridor which would support delivery of the NPF4 spatial strategy.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	This package would provide some reliability and resilience benefits to freight and other road users by reducing the impact of accidents on the network and enhancing rail capacity. This would allow businesses to improve their efficiencies in the movement of goods to be more competitive.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Consistent	This package could provide an opportunity for enhancing sustainable economic growth across the corridor, including in various settlements which are in a relatively rural area. Improved access to employment opportunities would be provided through interventions such as DRT and MaaS, and more efficient transport of goods would be facilitated by reducing incidents on the road network and enhancing the rail capacity would support rural economies.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The inclusion of DRT and MaaS would be expected to result in an improvement to the public transport network, which could lead to improved inclusivity through increased accessibility, including for those from disadvantaged communities who may have a lack of traditional public transport services. Improving the quality of passenger interchange facilities would also improve the travel experience for those without access to a car, which can be those from lower income households. However, at this stage there is uncertainty as to whether there would be a defined improvement in the accessibility of disadvantaged communities until new routes for active travel and the location of public transport improvements are selected.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Consistent	The interventions included in this package targeted at active travel modes and public transport improvements are likely to provide opportunities to widen the labour market, providing greater access to key centres of employment, education and training by sustainable modes. There is unlikely to be any major impact on the affordability of travel, with public transport ticketing and fares not likely to change. However, active travel improvements in settlements could have notable benefits for sustainable and affordable access to employment opportunities and education.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Consistent	The DRT and MaaS, rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity improvements and active communities options are expected to enhance inclusiveness by improving fair and equal sustainable travel options to access healthcare services.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Consistent	The interventions included in this package targeted at active travel modes and public transport improvements are likely to encourage a sustainable mode shift that contributes towards a ‘just’ transition to net zero. Active communities would promote low cost travel within settlements to replace shorter trips currently made by motorised modes. Bus priority measures and rail improvements would also offer alternative options to a car to enhance accessibility to key services and employment opportunities.

Table 3.17: Package 3 Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Consistent	The package aims to promote vehicles with lower or no emissions through the inclusion of alternative refuelling infrastructure and facilities should help reduce vehicle emissions and improve overall air quality. The inclusion of continuous vehicle-free connections between settlements to promote walking and wheeling may also reduce vehicles travelling around and between settlements to the betterment of overall air quality. The package also includes public transport improvements to encourage a mode shift which again may reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and further improve air quality.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The physical works associated with this package include long distance active travel connections, improving public transport interchanges, and rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity improvements, all of which have the potential to have negative effects during the construction phase. The extent of impacts would depend on scale, design and location. Creation of large-scale alternative refuelling infrastructure may also require land take and result in a net loss of green space. However, there could also be environmental benefits associated with improved active travel connections between settlements, which would have a positive impact on sustainable access to natural and cultural places.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The interventions included in the package could encourage a modal shift to sustainable transport methods including bus, rail, walking and cycling. The increased opportunities to travel by these modes would be beneficial for creating high quality places with public spaces not being dominated by cars. However, the extent of this may be limited as this package does not include active communities improvements.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Consistent	Minor decrease in vehicle kilometres expected as a result of this package. This package focuses on long distance active connection expected to have limited impact on increased walking. A modal shift to public transport through improvement to bus, rail and interchanges may assist in reducing car kilometres but the extent of this is unclear. Improvements for active travel are not expected to make a significant contribution towards reduction in car kilometres. However, there is also potential for a mode shift towards public transport due to improvements to bus and rail which would positively contribute to a reduction in car kilometres.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Consistent	Investment in sustainable transport modes, including active connections, bus priority, and rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity may encourage a modal shift away from private car use that contributes to a decrease in associated carbon emissions.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	If subject to the latest climate change assessment standard this should result in any new infrastructure being adapted to the predicted future impacts of climate change. However, paved surfaces for active travel infrastructure, road safety improvements and potential bus priority measures might incur surface damage or be impacted by surface water flooding during heavy rainfall, as is the case for the existing transport networks. The location of new infrastructure would need to consider existing flood risk and the impacts of increasing flood risk elsewhere.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Consistent	The A96 Electric Corridor option for alternative refuelling infrastructure would support and promote clean fuel technologies.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Targeted road safety improvements are proposed for locations identified as having a higher rate of incidents. This would improve perceptions of safety risk and reduce accident frequencies and severity in line with national reduction targets. Reducing vehicle trips with greater active travel trips and public transport use would contribute to fewer accidents on the network.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	This package does not directly include provisions for creating active communities or improvements to transport interchanges with more limited support for multi-modal journeys which incorporate active travel. There may be some benefits from Active Connections in allowing people access larger settlements for onward travel by train or bus.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Neutral	Targeted safety improvements would help with perceived safety, reduce accident frequency and severity contributing to the positive creation of liveable places. Improved active travel provision supports the promotion of healthy travel choices. However, this package does not include provisions for creating active communities so is unlikely to have a significant impact on local active travel journeys.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Neutral	Although the package would provide a segregated active travel routes between communities, this is not likely to benefit the creation of 20-minute neighbourhoods.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Consistent	The package could see a modal shift to sustainable transport including bus, rail, walking, wheeling and cycling. Increasing the opportunities to travel by these modes would create opportunities for communities to access key services such as education, employment opportunities and healthcare. This would reduce transport poverty for disadvantaged and vulnerable users and improve mobility and inclusion. DRT services included in this package do not follow a fixed route. The services provide flexibility, allowing for wider network coverage which could provide an alternative mode of transport when accessing healthcare services.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Improved reliability and resilience benefits to freight and other users are predicted as a result of reducing the impact of accidents on the trunk road network brought about through bypasses and targeted road safety measures. Further benefits would be anticipated through the rail improvements as part of this package, with capacity enhancements increasing the reliability and resilience for train journeys. Provision of bus priority measures should reduce both journey times and journey time variability, providing a more reliable service which would instil confidence in users.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	Improving access through well designed active travel and public transport infrastructure can improve economic performance of local settlements due to increased footfall. NPF4 developments are not specific to the corridor but relate to a wider area for maximising the economic potential of blue infrastructure in the North Sea and Moray coast and renewable energy and transmission. The package improvements would support improved passenger and freight travel along the corridor which would support delivery of the NPF4 spatial strategy.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	This package would provide some reliability and resilience benefits to freight and other road users by reducing the impact of accidents on the network and enhancing rail capacity. This would allow businesses to improve their efficiencies in the movement of goods to be more competitive.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Consistent	This package could provide an opportunity for enhancing sustainable economic growth across the corridor, including in various settlements which are in a relatively rural area. Improved access to employment opportunities would be provided through interventions such as DRT and MaaS, and more efficient transport of goods would be facilitated by reducing incidents on the road network and enhancing the rail capacity would support rural economies.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Interventions within this package would improve the active travel network coverage between local communities along the corridor which may connect disadvantaged communities to larger towns. The inclusion of DRT and MaaS would be expected to result in an improvement to the public transport network, which could lead to improved inclusivity through increased accessibility, including for those from disadvantaged communities who may have a lack of traditional public transport services. However, at this stage there is uncertainty as to whether there would be a defined improvement in the accessibility of disadvantaged communities until new routes for active travel and the location of public transport improvements are selected.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Consistent	Public transport improvements which form part of this package, such as bus priority measures, could result in improved public transport network coverage, providing better comparative access to locations with employment opportunities and education. There is unlikely to be any major impact on the affordability of travel, with public transport ticketing and fares not likely to change. However, active travel improvements between settlements could have some benefits for sustainable and affordable access to employment opportunities and education.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Consistent	The DRT and MaaS, rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity improvements and active connections options are expected to enhance inclusiveness by improving fair and equal sustainable travel options to access healthcare services.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Consistent	The interventions included in this package targeted at active travel modes and public transport improvements are likely to encourage a sustainable mode shift that contributes towards a ‘just’ transition to net zero. Active connections would promote low cost travel between settlements to replace trips currently made by motorised modes. Bus priority measures and rail improvements would also offer alternative options to a car to enhance accessibility to key services and employment opportunities.

Table 3.18: Package 4 Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Consistent	This package aims to promote vehicles with lower or no emissions by including alternative refuelling infrastructure and facilities which should help to reduce vehicle emissions and in turn improving overall air quality. The inclusion of continuous vehicle-free connections between settlements to promote walking and wheeling may also reduce vehicles travelling around and between settlements to the betterment of air quality within the settlement. The package also includes public transport improvements to encourage a mode shift which again may reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and further improve air quality.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The physical works associated with this package include long distance active travel connections, improving public transport interchanges, and rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity improvements, all of which have the potential to have negative effects during the construction phase. The extent of impacts would depend on scale, design and location. Creation of large-scale alternative refuelling infrastructure may require land take and result in a net loss of green space. However, there could also be environmental benefits associated with improved active travel connections and placemaking enhancements, which would have a positive impact on sustainable access to natural and cultural places.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	The interventions included in the package could encourage a modal shift to sustainable transport methods including bus, rail, walking and cycling. The increased opportunities to travel by these modes would be beneficial for creating high quality places with public spaces not being dominated by cars.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Consistent	Improvements for active travel are not expected to make a significant contribution towards reduction in car kilometres. However, there is also potential for a mode shift towards public transport due to improvements to rail and interchanges which would positively contribute to a reduction in car kilometres.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Consistent	Investment in sustainable transport modes, including active communities, passenger interchange facilities, and rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity may encourage a modal shift away from private car use that contributes to a decrease in associated carbon emissions.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	If subject to the latest climate change assessment standard this should result in any new infrastructure being adapted to the predicted future impacts of climate change. However, paved surfaces for active travel infrastructure and road safety improvements might incur surface damage or be impacted by surface water flooding during heavy rainfall, as is the case for the existing transport networks. The location of new infrastructure would need to consider existing flood risk and the impacts of increasing flood risk elsewhere.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Consistent	The A96 Electric Corridor option for alternative refuelling infrastructure would support and promote clean fuel technologies.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Targeted road safety improvements are proposed for locations identified as having a higher rate of incidents. This would improve perceptions of safety risk and reduce accident frequencies and severity in line with national reduction targets. Reducing overall vehicle trips with increased amounts of active travel and public transport use would also positively contribute to fewer accidents on the network. Public transport interchange improvements may also improve personal security and make a safer network for travellers.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Consistent	The package is likely to support healthy travel choices due to active travel improvements between and within settlements. Improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure including segregated long-distance active travel routes, and the provision of local place improvements through active communities would support healthy travel choices in accessing public transport stops and stations for onwards travel as part of a multimodal journey. The package would promote rail travel as an alternative to car trips, and likely to involve users walking, wheeling or cycling to and from stations as part of a multimodal journey. Encouraging a mode shift away from car would contribute to healthier travel choices through reduced transport related emissions.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Consistent	Targeted safety improvements would help with perceived safety, reduce accident frequency and severity contributing to the positive creation of liveable places. Creating 'Active Communities', where more space would be provided for people rather than traffic, draws upon the '20-minute neighbourhood' concept. This option would help to create safer routes to key services such as education and encourage more inclusive environments for people walking, wheeling and cycling.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Consistent	The provision of more segregated and traffic-free active travel routes between communities would provide active travel provision across junctions and increase opportunities for safe crossings in rural places. Alongside this, the introduction of Active Communities would support and provide space for people rather than traffic and the '20-minute neighbourhood'. This option would help to create safer routes to key services such as education and encourage more inclusive environments for people walking, wheeling and cycling.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Consistent	More reliable and quicker bus and rail options can help to improve connectivity to key services such as employment, education, healthcare and shopping. This would reduce transport poverty for disadvantaged and vulnerable users and improve mobility and inclusion.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Improved reliability and resilience benefits to freight and other users are predicted as a result of reducing the impact of accidents on the trunk road network brought about through bypasses and targeted road safety measures. Further benefits would be anticipated through the rail improvements as part of this package, with capacity enhancements increasing the reliability and resilience for train journeys.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	Improving access through well designed active travel and public transport infrastructure can improve economic performance of local settlements due to increased footfall. NPF4 developments are not specific to the corridor but relate to a wider area for maximising the economic potential of blue infrastructure in the North Sea and Moray coast and renewable energy and transmission. The package improvements would support improved passenger and freight travel along the corridor which would support delivery of the NPF4 spatial strategy.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	This package would provide some reliability and resilience benefits to freight and other road users by reducing the impact of accidents on the network and enhancing rail capacity. This would allow businesses to improve their efficiencies in the movement of goods to be more competitive.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Consistent	This package could provide an opportunity for enhancing sustainable economic growth across the corridor, including in various settlements which are in a relatively rural area. More efficient transport of goods would be facilitated by reducing incidents on the road network and enhancing the rail capacity would support rural economies.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Interventions within this package would improve the active travel network coverage between local communities along the corridor which may connect disadvantaged communities to larger towns. Improving the quality of passenger interchange facilities would also improve the travel experience for those without access to a car, which can be those from lower income households. Although this package is less focused on short everyday journeys and does not include DRT or MaaS, it is noted that improvements to alternative sustainable transport modes are suggested in the package could improve access to and from disadvantaged communities. However, at this stage there is uncertainty as to whether there would be a defined improvement in the accessibility of disadvantaged communities until new routes for active travel and the location of public transport improvements are selected.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Consistent	The interventions included in this package targeted at active travel modes and public transport improvements are likely to provide opportunities to widen the labour market, providing greater access to key centres of employment, education and training by sustainable modes. There is unlikely to be any major impact on the affordability of travel, with public transport ticketing and fares not likely to change. However, active travel improvements in and between settlements could have some benefits for sustainable and affordable access to employment opportunities and education.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Consistent	The rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity improvements along with the active communities and active connections interventions are expected to enhance inclusiveness by improving fair and equal sustainable travel options to access healthcare services.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Consistent	The interventions included in this package targeted at active travel modes and public transport improvements are likely to encourage a sustainable mode shift that contributes towards a ‘just’ transition to net zero. Active communities and active connections would promote low cost travel within and between settlements to replace trips currently made by motorised modes. Rail improvements would also offer alternative options to a car to enhance accessibility to key services and employment opportunities.

Table 3.19: Package 5 Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The inclusion of high quality active travel connections between settlements on the A96 corridor would combine to form a continuous and largely traffic-free route between Aberdeen and Inverness, which could have a positive impact on air quality. The inclusion of bypasses within this package has the potential to improve the air quality within the bypassed settlements of Elgin and Keith, and to a lesser extent Forres and Inverurie, as there would likely be a reduction in traffic on the existing A96 trunk road as it passes through these settlements. There would also be an opportunity to increase active travel opportunities within settlements through Active Communities which could have a further positive effect on air quality by reducing the number of journeys taken by polluting vehicles. The introduction of bypasses may, however, increase reliance on private vehicles due to reduced congestion and greater road capacity potentially impacting upon the air quality elsewhere on the wider A96 corridor itself. Promotion of lower and zero emission vehicles by including alternative refuelling infrastructure should help to reduce overall vehicle emissions and improve overall air quality.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The physical works associated with this package include four bypasses improved public transport passenger interchange facilities and rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity improvements, all of which have the potential to have negative effects during the construction phase. The extent of impact would depend on scale, design and location. Creation of large scale alternative refuelling infrastructure may require land take and result in a net loss of green space. However, there could also be environmental benefits associated with improved active travel connections within settlements and placemaking enhancements, which would have a positive impact on sustainable access to natural and cultural places.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	A reduction of traffic through settlements could result in better air quality and the opportunity to implement placemaking schemes. A modal shift towards sustainable transport methods including bus, rail, walking and cycling would positively contribute to the creation of high quality places. Bypasses may result in an increase in the use of private vehicles due to a reduction in congestion. However, improvements to public transport infrastructure could help to reduce the use of private vehicles throughout the wider network.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	This package focuses on reducing the reliance on private car through the provision of interventions to encourage a mode shift to sustainable transport. However, it is anticipated that there would be a continued reliance and use of cars due to the inclusion of the four bypasses that may result in an overall increase in car kilometres.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Road safety improvements and the four bypasses included in the package may result in the A96 being a more attractive route for private vehicles to use and may lead to increased carbon emissions. Investment in sustainable transport modes, including active communities, bus priority, passenger interchange facilities, and rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity may encourage a modal shift away from private car use that contributes to a decrease in associated carbon emissions.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	If subject to the latest climate change assessment standard this should result in any new infrastructure being adapted to the predicted future impacts of climate change. However, paved surfaces created as part of the four bypasses, active travel infrastructure, road safety improvements and bus priority measures included in this package might incur surface damage or be impacted by surface water flooding during period of heavy rainfall, as is the case for the existing transport networks. The location of new infrastructure, in particular bypasses, would need to consider existing flood risk and the impacts of increasing flood risk elsewhere.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Consistent	The A96 Electric Corridor option for alternative refuelling infrastructure would support and promote clean fuel technologies.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Removing through trips made by vehicles in bypassed settlements and enabling the introduction of active travel infrastructure could reduce the number and severity of road traffic accidents. This would in turn support the promotion of safe and secure travel for all. Active connections and targeted road safety improvements would also reduce the accident risk for multiple modes by reducing conflicts or improving infrastructure at specific locations. It is expected that personal security is likely to improve through an increase in the number of people walking, wheeling in and around the key communities along the A96 corridor as there would be an increase in natural surveillance.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Consistent	The package is likely to support healthy travel choices due to active travel improvements in settlements, supplemented by the reduction in traffic associated with the bypasses. The package would promote bus and rail travel as an alternative to car trips, and likely to involve users walking, wheeling or cycling to and from stops or stations as part of a multimodal journey. Encouraging a mode shift away from car would contribute to healthier travel choices through reduced transport related emissions.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Targeted safety improvements would help with perceived safety, reduce accident frequency and severity contributing to the positive creation of liveable places. Creating 'Active Communities', where more space would be provided for people rather than traffic, draws upon the '20-minute neighbourhood' concept. This option would help to create safer routes to key services such as education and encourage more inclusive environments for people walking, wheeling and cycling. Bypasses would remove through traffic from the existing A96 in settlements, which would allow for improved air quality and a healthier environment, though may impact on liveability if there was a reduction in passing trade.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Consistent	Creating ‘Active Communities’, where more space would be provided for people rather than traffic draws upon the ‘20-minute neighbourhood’ concept. This option would help to create safer routes to key services such as education and encourage more inclusive environments for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The removal of through trips in bypassed towns would supplement the benefits brought about by Active Communities. Providing high quality active travel routes between settlements along the A96 corridor also forms part of this package and would encourage people use non-motorised transport for longer journeys.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Consistent	The package could see a modal shift to sustainable transport including bus, rail, walking, wheeling and cycling. Increasing the opportunities to travel by these modes would create opportunities for communities to access key services such as education, employment opportunities and healthcare. This would reduce transport poverty for disadvantaged and vulnerable users and improve mobility and inclusion. DRT services included in this package do not follow a fixed route. The services provide flexibility, allowing for wider network coverage which could provide an alternative mode of transport when accessing healthcare services.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	It is anticipated that this package would reduce delays to business journeys and improve the reliability of the trunk road network through the inclusion of bypasses. Improved reliability and resilience benefits to freight and other users are predicted as a result of reducing the impact of accidents on the trunk road network brought about through bypasses and targeted road safety measures. Further benefits would be anticipated through the rail improvements as part of this package, with capacity enhancements increasing the reliability and resilience for train journeys. Provision of bus priority measures should reduce both journey times and journey time variability, providing a more reliable service which would instil confidence in users.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	Bypasses could support sustainable inclusive growth by improving the connectivity between businesses and the labour market and improving the efficiency of the movement of goods along the corridor. Improving access through well designed active travel and public transport infrastructure can improve economic performance of local settlements due to increased footfall. NPF4 developments are not specific to the corridor but relate to a wider area for maximising the economic potential of blue infrastructure in the North Sea and Moray coast and renewable energy and transmission. The package improvements would support improved passenger and freight travel along the corridor which would support delivery of the NPF4 spatial strategy.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	This package is likely to provide opportunities to widen the labour market, providing greater access to key centres of employment, education and training, particularly for those who can drive or via the rail network. Bypasses could support sustainable inclusive growth by improving the connectivity between businesses and the labour market and improving the efficiency of the movement of goods along the corridor due to the likely associated reliability improvements on the trunk road network.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The package would support local businesses transporting goods, improving efficiencies by reducing incidents on the road network and increasing the capacity of the rail line. It would also improve the accessibility to and from rural areas to employment opportunities through interventions such as DRT and MaaS. However, construction of some interventions, notably the bypasses, may result in a loss of productive agricultural land and would also likely result in a reduction in passing trade.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The inclusion of DRT and MaaS would be expected to result in an improvement to the public transport network, which could lead to improved inclusivity through increased accessibility, including for those from disadvantaged communities who may have a lack of traditional public transport services. Improving the quality of passenger interchange facilities would also improve the travel experience for those without access to a car, which can be those from lower income households. However, at this stage there is uncertainty as to whether there would be a defined improvement in the accessibility of disadvantaged communities until new routes for active travel and the location of public transport improvements are selected.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Consistent	The interventions included in this package targeted at active travel modes and public transport improvements are likely to provide opportunities to widen the labour market, providing greater access to key centres of employment, education and training by sustainable modes. There is unlikely to be any major impact on the affordability of travel, with public transport ticketing and fares not likely to change. However, active travel improvements in settlements, supplemented by the bypasses, could have notable benefits for sustainable and affordable access to employment opportunities and education.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Consistent	The DRT and MaaS, rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity improvements and active communities interventions are expected to enhance inclusiveness by improving fair and equal sustainable travel options to access healthcare services.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Consistent	The interventions included in this package targeted at active travel modes and public transport improvements are likely to encourage a sustainable mode shift that contributes towards a ‘just’ transition to net zero. Active communities and active connections would promote low cost travel within and between settlements to replace trips currently made by motorised modes. Bus priority measures and rail improvements would also offer alternative options to a car to enhance accessibility to key services and employment opportunities.

Table 3.20: Refined Package Appraisal Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The inclusion of bypasses within this package has the potential to improve the air quality within the bypassed settlements of Elgin and Keith as there would likely be a reduction in. There would also be the opportunity to increase the active travel opportunities within settlements through Active Communities which could have a further positive effect on air quality by reducing the number of journeys taken by polluting vehicles. The introduction of the bypasses may, however, increase reliance on private vehicles due to reduced congestion and greater road capacity potentially impacting upon the air quality elsewhere on the wider A96 corridor itself. Promotion of lower and zero emission vehicles by including alternative refuelling infrastructure should help to reduce overall vehicle emissions and improve overall air quality.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The physical works associated with this package include two bypasses, improved public transport passenger interchange facilities and rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity improvements, all of which have the potential to have negative effects during the construction phase. The extent of impact would depend on scale, design and location. Creation of large scale alternative refuelling infrastructure may also require land take and result in a net loss of green space. However, there could also be environmental benefits associated with improved active travel connections within settlements and placemaking enhancements, which would have a positive impact on sustainable access to natural and cultural places.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Consistent	A reduction of traffic through settlements could result in better air quality and the opportunity to implement placemaking schemes. A modal shift towards walking, wheeling and cycling would be supported by the removal of cars and would positively contribute to the creation of high quality places. Bypasses at Elgin and Keith may result in an increase in the use of private vehicles due to a reduction in congestion. However, improvements to public transport infrastructure could help to reduce the use of private vehicles throughout the wider network.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	This package focuses on reducing the reliance on private car through the provision of interventions to encourage a mode shift to sustainable transport. However, it is anticipated that there would be a continued reliance and use of cars due to the inclusion of bypasses at Elgin and Keith settlements that may result in an overall increase in car kilometres.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Road safety improvements and bypasses at Elgin and Keith included in the package may result in the A96 being a more attractive route for private vehicles to use and may lead to increased carbon emissions. Investment in sustainable transport modes, including active communities, passenger interchange facilities, and rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity may encourage a modal shift away from private car use that contributes to a decrease in associated carbon emissions.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	If subject to the latest climate change assessment standard this should result in any new infrastructure being adapted to the predicted future impacts of climate change. However, paved surfaces created as part of the bypasses, active travel infrastructure and road safety improvements included in this package might incur surface damage or be impacted by surface water flooding during period of heavy rainfall, as is the case for the existing transport networks. The location of new infrastructure, in particular bypasses, would need to consider existing flood risk and the impacts of increasing flood risk elsewhere.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Consistent	The A96 Electric Corridor option for alternative refuelling infrastructure would support and promote clean fuel technologies.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Removing through trips made by vehicles in the bypassed settlements of Elgin and Keith, and enabling the introduction of active travel infrastructure could reduce the number and severity of road traffic accidents. This would in turn support the promotion of safe and secure travel for all. Targeted road safety improvements are proposed for locations identified as having a higher rate of incidents. This would improve perceptions of safety risk and reduce accident frequencies and severity in line with national reduction targets. It is expected that personal security is likely to improve through an increase in the number of people walking, wheeling in and around the key communities along the A96 corridor as there would be an increase in natural surveillance.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Consistent	The package is likely to support healthy travel choices due to active travel improvements in settlements, supplemented by the reduction in traffic associated with the bypasses at Elgin and Keith specifically. The package would promote rail travel as an alternative to car trips, and likely to involve users walking, wheeling or cycling to and from stations as part of a multimodal journey. Encouraging a mode shift away from car would contribute to healthier travel choices through reduced transport related emissions.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Targeted safety improvements would help with perceived safety, reduce accident frequency and severity contributing to the positive creation of liveable places. Creating 'Active Communities', where more space would be provided for people rather than traffic, draws upon the '20-minute neighbourhood' concept. This option would help to create safer routes to key services such as education and encourage more inclusive environments for people walking, wheeling and cycling. Bypasses would remove through traffic from the existing A96 in Elgin and Keith, which would allow for improved air quality and a healthier environment, though may impact on liveability if there was a reduction in passing trade.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Consistent	Creating 'Active Communities', where more space would be provided for people rather than traffic, draws upon the '20-minute neighbourhood' concept. This option would help to create safer routes to key services such as education and encourage more inclusive environments for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The removal of through trips in bypassed towns would supplement the benefits brought about by Active Communities.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Consistent	The package could see a modal shift to sustainable transport including bus, rail, walking, wheeling and cycling. Increasing the opportunities to travel by these modes would create opportunities for communities to access key services such as education, employment opportunities and healthcare. This would reduce transport poverty for disadvantaged and vulnerable users and improve mobility and inclusion. DRT services included in this package do not follow a fixed route. The services provide flexibility, allowing for wider network coverage which could provide an alternative mode of transport when accessing healthcare services.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	It is anticipated that this package would reduce delays to business journeys and improve the reliability of the trunk road network through the inclusion of bypasses. Improved reliability and resilience benefits to freight and other users are predicted as a result of reducing the impact of accidents on the trunk road network brought about through bypasses and targeted road safety measures. Further benefits would be anticipated through the rail improvements as part of this package, with capacity enhancements increasing the reliability and resilience for train journeys.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	Bypasses could support sustainable inclusive growth by improving the connectivity between businesses and the labour market and improving the efficiency of the movement of goods along the corridor. Improving access through well designed active travel and public transport infrastructure can improve economic performance of local settlements due to increased footfall. NPF4 developments are not specific to the corridor but relate to a wider area for maximising the economic potential of blue infrastructure in the North Sea and Moray coast and renewable energy and transmission. The package improvements would support improved passenger and freight travel along the corridor which would support delivery of the NPF4 spatial strategy.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	This package is likely to provide opportunities to widen the labour market, providing greater access to key centres of employment, education and training, particularly for those who can drive or via the rail network. Bypasses could support sustainable inclusive growth by improving the connectivity between businesses and the labour market and improving the efficiency of the movement of goods along the corridor due to the likely associated reliability improvements on the trunk road network.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The package would support local businesses transporting goods, improving efficiencies by reducing incidents on the road network and increasing the capacity of the rail line. It would also improve the accessibility to and from rural areas to employment opportunities through interventions such as DRT and MaaS. However, construction of some interventions, notably the bypasses, may result in a loss of productive agricultural land and would also likely result in a reduction in passing trade.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The inclusion of DRT and MaaS would be expected to result in an improvement to the public transport network, which could lead to improved inclusivity through increased accessibility, including for those from disadvantaged communities who may have a lack of traditional public transport services. Improving the quality of passenger interchange facilities would also improve the travel experience for those without access to a car, which can be those from lower income households. However, at this stage there is uncertainty as to whether there would be a defined improvement in the accessibility of disadvantaged communities until new routes for active travel and the location of public transport improvements are selected.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Consistent	The interventions included in this package targeted at active travel modes and public transport improvements are likely to provide opportunities to widen the labour market, providing greater access to key centres of employment, education and training by sustainable modes. There is unlikely to be any major impact on the affordability of travel, with public transport ticketing and fares not likely to change. However, active travel improvements in settlements, supplemented by the bypasses at Elgin and Keith, could have notable benefits for sustainable and affordable access to employment opportunities and education.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Consistent	The DRT and MaaS, rail linespeed, passenger and freight capacity improvements and active communities interventions are expected to enhance inclusiveness by improving fair and equal sustainable travel options to access healthcare services.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Consistent	The interventions included in this package targeted at active travel modes and public transport improvements are likely to encourage a sustainable mode shift that contributes towards a ‘just’ transition to net zero. Active communities would promote low cost travel within settlements to replace shorter trips currently made by motorised modes. Rail improvements would also offer alternative options to a car to enhance accessibility to key services and employment opportunities.

Table 3.21: A96 Full Dualling Outcomes.
Theme	Policy Objective Criteria	Compatibility Score	Summary
Environment	To what extent does the option or package improve air quality?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Dualling could lead to an increase in vehicles using the route and may therefore lead to increased air pollution along the route. Reducing through traffic in Forres, Elgin, Keith, and Inverurie along with other settlements along the existing A96 trunk road may result in local improvements to air quality within these settlements.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural environment?	Inconsistent	Depending on the route and alignment of the A96 dualling, there could be significant negative effects on the environment due to the scale of works which may not be able to be fully mitigated.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package safeguard and enhance blue networks and waterbodies?	Neutral	Although the scale of the required infrastructure has the potential for adverse impacts upon blue networks and waterbodies, it is a requirement of the design process to ensure there is no negative impact on water quality and flooding.
Environment	To what extent does the option or package support the creation and maintenance of attractive and high quality places (with consideration of the six qualities of NPF4)?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	There could be a modal shift to sustainable transport including bus, rail, walking wheeling and cycling where traffic volumes are significantly reduced in settlements, and the option therefore has the potential to improve quality of urban places. However, the potential scale of infrastructure would harm the quality of rural spaces due to construction works and severance of land through procurement for development.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package contribute to the 20% reduction in car km?	Inconsistent	Dualling is likely to see continued use of vehicles for private and freight use along the A96, with the potential for greater vehicle numbers which does support the reduction in car kilometres.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help meet the net zero by 2045 target?	Inconsistent	Continued use of vehicles for private and freight use would not positively contribute to the net zero targets. Any benefits would be dependent on the move to zero/low emission vehicles and not a direct result of the option.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package help adapt the transport network to direct and indirect risks associated with climate change for Scotland?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	If subject to the latest climate change assessment standard this should result in a design and build adapted to the predicted future impacts of climate change. However, any new paved surfaces laid as part of this option might incur surface damage or be impacted by surface water flooding during period of heavy rainfall, as is the case for the existing transport networks. Dualling would adapt the existing trunk road network by upgrading the existing A96, increasing capacity and removing it from towns.
Climate Change	To what extent does the option or package promote and support the best use of clean fuels/technologies decarbonising travel?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Although it is anticipated that full dualling would have some degree of support for the transition to zero emission vehicles, it is not likely to have a direct impact and is therefore inconclusive.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package promote safe and secure travel for all users?	Consistent	Dualling the carriageway along the A96 would support safer operation of the network. Allowing for consistent, safe overtaking opportunities would likely result in reduced accident rates and severity. Dualling of the A96 would likely benefit those using private vehicles most, although active travel users would also be likely to benefit from the infrastructure included as part of the option and better crossing provision built in to any design.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support healthy travel choices as part of a multimodal journey?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Dualling is assumed to include adjacent long distance active travel infrastructure. This may increase the use of active travel between the villages and towns along the route. However, the option may also reinforce the use of private vehicles, particularly for longer journeys.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of healthy and liveable places?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Dualling is assumed to include adjacent long distance active travel infrastructure. This may increase the use of active travel between the villages and towns along the route. The removal of through trips may allow for the reallocation of road space and prioritisation of active modes which could have economic benefits and provide better spaces for people to live, work and shop. However, there is also the possibility that reducing through traffic may negatively impact communities as a result of a reduction in passing trade. The option may also reinforce the use of private vehicles, particularly for longer journeys, which is inconsistent with positive health outcomes.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package enhance provision of non-motorised transport and active travel as part of a 20-minute neighbourhood?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	A new dual carriageway with bypasses of existing towns would provide congestion relief within local settlements by removing through trips, which in turn may make short distance journeys by active travel more attractive. However, no active travel improvements within settlements are proposed as part of this option. The option may also reinforce the use of private vehicles, including for local journeys due to there being less traffic and associated congestion within settlements.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing	To what extent does the option or package support sustainable access to critical services i.e. education, healthcare?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	Dualling is assumed to include adjacent long distance active travel infrastructure. This may increase the use of active travel between the villages and towns along the route. The removal of through trips may allow for the reallocation of road space and prioritisation of active modes in settlements. However, no active travel improvements within settlements are proposed as part of this option and therefore, the option may encourage more local journeys to be made by car where congestion is relieved.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support the creation of a resilient and reliable transport network?	Consistent	Dualling would provide reliability and resilience benefits to freight and other road users by increasing capacity, reducing the impact of accidents and improving confidence in the trunk road network.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package support future growth areas and national developments identified in land use planning?	Consistent	Bypasses created by dualling could support sustainable inclusive growth by improving the connectivity between businesses and the labour market and improving the efficiency of the movement of people and goods along the corridor. NPF4 developments are not specific to the corridor but relate to a wider area for maximising the economic potential of blue infrastructure in the North Sea and Moray coast and renewable energy and transmission. The improvements brought about by dualling would support improved passenger and freight travel along the corridor which would support delivery of the NPF4 spatial strategy.
Economic	To what extent does the option or package provide a transport system which enables businesses to be competitive locally and within the rest of the UK?	Consistent	Dualling would likely strengthen the reliability of supply chains locally, regionally and nationally. It would provide additional capacity for road based trips, which is currently the favoured mode of transport for Scotland's food and drink output largely associated with this area of Scotland.
Economic	To what extent will the option or package support and enhance rural economy?	Inconclusive (at this stage)	The option would support local businesses for transporting of goods, with improved efficiency and quicker and more reliable journey times. However, there would be a likely loss of productive agricultural land and a reduction in passing trade.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable transport connections to and from more disadvantaged communities?	Inconsistent	This option would not be likely to benefit those who do not have access to private vehicles for travel. Benefits to those in disadvantaged communities without access to a car are limited and would be dependent on take up of the adjacent active travel route built as part of dualling, or there being significant improvements to bus services.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide sustainable, affordable transport access to education and employment opportunities?	Inconsistent	Limited positive impact upon the reliability, frequency or affordability of sustainable transport modes along the corridor. Full dualling is likely to encourage more car trips which is not sustainable and is not necessarily considered affordable.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package provide fair and equal transport access to healthcare services?	Inconsistent	Full dualling would primarily benefit those wishing to access healthcare services who have access to a private car. There may be some minor improvements for the accessibility to healthcare services by bus, but this is dependent on operator decisions for service routing. The adjacent active travel route may have some impact in providing fair and equal access to healthcare services, but this is not likely to be significant and again dependent on the route of the dual carriageway.
Equality	To what extent does the option or package support a ‘just’ transition to net zero?	Inconsistent	This option is likely to mainly benefit those with access to a car. Although it is anticipated that full dualling would have some degree of support for the transition to zero emission vehicles, it is not likely to have a direct impact and so does not provide a ‘just’ transition to net zero alone. Emissions may decrease in settlements bypassed by dualling but this option does little to support the transition to net zero overall.

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