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Review of the Rural Petrol Stations Grant Scheme Final Report
2 STUDY OBJECTIVES
Study objectives and method
The objectives for this study were twofold:
- to evaluate the benefits that have and can continue to arise from the continued operation of those petrol stations supported by RPSGS; and
- to consider and appraise options and hence make recommendations for the future development of the scheme.
In order to meet the first of these objectives, we have assessed the social, economic and environmental benefits of continued operation of a rural petrol station, making comparisons with the expected situation if that station were to cease trading in fuel.
It is recognised from the outset that there is substantial overlap in effect between social, economic and environmental benefits. Previous work has also shown that petrol stations generate additional community benefits to the sale of fuel, not least as the majority of petrol stations also offer a range of other services.
We have also reviewed the present administration of the scheme, including its acceptability to applicants and administrators and considered options for change.
Study method
In order to assess the benefits of rural petrol stations, an extensive programme of surveys has been undertaken with rural petrol station businesses and their customers. We have also drawn on previous research where appropriate.
A structured telephone interview was undertaken with owners or managers at petrol stations in rural Scotland in February and March 2004. We tried to contact all those 55 businesses that had received RPSGS funds at that time and were successful in obtaining information from 38 of them. We also obtained survey responses from 30 other rural petrol stations that had not received the grant in order to provide comparative data.
Face-to-face interviews were completed with 281 customers making purchases at 14 rural petrol stations in March and April 2004. Of these 281, 227 were with local people and 54 with tourist/visitors to the area.
Copies of the survey forms and summary survey responses are given in Appendix A of this report.
In order to scope the surveys and provide background information, members of the study team visited twelve rural petrol stations (both recipients and non-recipients of RPSGS funds) before the completion of the survey questionnaires. We also met with representatives at Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Enterprise Dumfries & Galloway (SEDG), lead LEC on behalf of Scottish Enterprise, and have met or otherwise communicated with representatives at most LECs responsible for administering the scheme.
Following completion of the survey work we have completed analyses of the social, economic and environmental benefits as outlined in the relevant sections of this report. We have then developed and applied a framework for the assessment of options for change to the scheme. This approach is, we feel, entirely in accordance with the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG). Potential options, their appraisal and recommendations are set out in sections nine and ten of this report.
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