Address the maintenance backlog. With tightening budgets, many local authorities have struggled to keep abreast of much needed road maintenance. Our roads are in need of repair work worth £2 billion. We will call for some of the funding set aside for new roads to be redirected and channelled into maintaining our existing routes.
Environmental evaluation for new roads. All new road infrastructure should undergo a triple bottom line evaluation, ensuring that projects deliver tangible benefits to the economy and society and the environment is respected. Green MSPs would support any new infrastructure that meets these requirements.
Ban pavement parking. Green MSPs will work with the Scottish Government to legislate against parking on pavements. This would improve safety for pedestrians, particularly vulnerable people, such as the disabled, elderly and children, and reduce damage to pavements.
Low-carbon vehicles. Green MSPs will support the roll-out of low carbon vehicles, such as electric cars, and will encourage the development and expansion of car sharing schemes across the country. We would push for the creation of a Car Share Fund to help local authorities set up such groups and establish fleets of low-carbon vehicles.
Speed Awareness Courses. Drivers caught speeding currently face a £100 fine and 3 points on their licence. We support measures to offer drivers with minor speeding offences a day-long course in speed awareness, in lieu of receiving points.