Evidence in Scottish Transport Decision Making
The ways that people access evidence are changing. Evidence is often complex and increasingly people rely on summaries of evidence generated using AI. However, machine learning is still better at summarising received wisdom than piloting innovative ways forward, which are increasingly needed in a fast changing world.
Against this backdrop, at an STSG seminar in 2024 it was observed that the online content from the first 40 years of STSG publications was now far more accessible to decision makers, so it was becoming increasingly important to ensure that this catalogue of learning was refreshed with new evidence from leading practice, recognising the core role of STSG in providing insights into future possibilities.
This process of refreshing the evidence has been the focus of work by STSG in 2025. The growing focus for STSG publications will therefore be the themed papers that have attracted the greatest attention at the website in recent years, on topics such as paying for better transport, new business models for net zero, and reforming transport governance.
At the STSG AGM on 25th November we are hosting a working lunch from 12-3pm at Strathclyde University, James Weir Building, Montrose Street, Glasgow in Room 6.04. The meeting will start with a brief run through of STSG activities and accounts. STSG is currently generating increasing revenue but is not currently spending enough of that revenue on dissemination of the evidence. STSG needs more people, particularly younger professionals, to get involved in the mission to improve awareness of the function of Scottish transport for the economy and society. If you could help to support STSG activities by applying for a grant to study some aspect of Scottish Transport in more depth, or by contributing to STSG publications and events then please try to attend on 25th November or let us know in advance what you can offer by e-mailing us.
Following the AGM business, at about 12:30 Professor Adrian Davies will present his overview of what he has learned from his 18 years of preparing his essential evidence series, first for Bristol City Council and since 2018 through the Essential Evidence 4 Scotland series. Adrian has spent over 30 years working on transport and health and is internationally recognised as an expert in the field. He was a founder member of the Transport and Health Study Group in 1988, has been a consultant to Dept Health, Dept Transport, World Health Organisation, and other public bodies.The Essential Evidence series aims to improve public policy making and practice by making robust academic evidence freely accessible to local government transport authorities, advocacy groups, and public health practitioners.
In order for us to ensure we can cater for lunch for everyone it would be good if you can let us know in advance of you can attend. We will record Adrian’s presentation so that it can be published online at the STSG website after the event.