Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26001 on 13 August 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is being promoted under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 which sets out the requirements for publication of draft road orders, receipt of objections and consideration of these in the forum of a public local inquiry. The Scottish ministers are currently considering the public local inquiry reporters findings and recommendations prior to deciding whether or not to proceed with the scheme. The final decision on approval will rest with the Scottish Parliament.

Various consultations have taken place in relation to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route during which the public were invited to provide comment.

During the period when alternative corridors were under consideration, consultation took place with a wide range of statutory and non-statutory bodies, seeking comment in respect of the various alternatives identified, which included the Milltimber Brae corridor and the Fastlink as a component of the Peterculter/Stonehaven corridor.

During the public consultation held in spring 2005, the public were invited to comment in respect of the various alternatives identified, which included the Milltimber Brae corridor and the Fastlink as a component of the Peterculter/Stonehaven corridor.

The publication of draft orders in December 2006 and September 2007 marked the start of formal statutory consultation periods in respect of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. During the statutory consultation periods the public had the opportunity to comment in respect of the proposals, including the opportunity to object to the published scheme should they be so minded.

In terms of the public local inquiry, there was extensive consideration of the Milltimber Brae and Fastlink route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

The Scottish ministers decided on the scope and remit of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route public local inquiry in accordance with the statutory provisions contained within the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 and The Compulsory Purchase by Public Authorities (Inquiries Procedure) (Scotland) Rules 1998.

Yes.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S3W-26006 on 13 June 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26010 on 13 August 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Compliance with the requirements of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) is the norm for road and bridge projects. The DMRB contains both guidance and standards, together with a procedure for considering where departures from standards may be appropriate.

Information on the application of Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) is provided in the STAG document, which is accessible via the Transport Scotland website at:

http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/reports/publications-and-guidance/corporate/j9760-00.htm.

Yes.