The potential economic impact of the new A500 through Stoke on Trent was assessed as set out in the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) document 'Guidance on the Methodology for Multi-Modal Studies' (GOMMS, 2000).The GOMMS approach to assessment includes various objectives against which schemes are to be assessed, one of which is Economy.The Economy objective comprises Transport Economic Efficiency, Reliability and Wider Economic Impacts.With regard to Transport Economy Efficiency, the quantitative economic modelling carried out before start of works in 2004 shows that the A500 Scheme has a Benefit to Cost Ratio of 4.0. The Benefit to Cost Ratio is a measure of the economic efficiency, and is calculated by dividing the benefits by the costs, and a BCR of four is considered 'High' Value for Money.With regard to Reliability, the qualitative assessment shows that the A500 Scheme has a positive 'Beneficial' impact.With regard to Wider Economic Impacts, the qualitative assessment shows that the A500 Scheme lies within and will directly serve the Stoke-on-Trent designated regeneration area, and that Development will depend upon the A500 Scheme.The results of the assessments are included in an Appraisal Summary Table, which was presented at the Public Inquiry in November 2002.