Car use reduction plans lack vision of green transport revolution
The Scottish Government’s car reduction plan lacks vision for a green transport revolution, say Scottish Greens.
Yesterday’s announcement came as a combined policy statement from the Scottish Government and COSLA with the promise of tackling the climate emergency and encouraging sustainable travel.
Scottish Green spokesperson for transport Mark Ruskell says the ambitions don't go far enough to revolutionise Scotland’s transport and future-proof it.
The plans do not include any new targets for reduction in car kilometres, after their initial 20% reduction by 2030 was scrapped in April this year. There is also no plan set out on how to deliver better public transport for people all over Scotland.
Mr Ruskell said:
“If we want to see less congestion on our roads, we have to make improving public transport a priority. We are in a congestion crisis in our major cities. Air quality is suffering and communities are being cut off by the lack of affordable and accessible public transport. It's dragging our economy down and damaging our health.
“The decision to walk away from the 20% reduction target was a huge step backwards that undermined years of work to decarbonise transport. The plans laid out today give no indication of a new target, and no plans on how to deliver better public transport.
“Both Glasgow and Edinburgh Councils are trying to do the right thing by reducing car dependency and reclaiming space for people. If local councils are given the powers to introduce road user charging schemes that will help to curb car reliance in built-up areas that are better served by environmentally friendly alternatives like trains and buses.
“Giving councils the freedom to raise and invest revenue into world-leading public transport systems is crucial towards cutting pollution, reducing congestion, and building a healthier, more liveable Scotland for future generations.
“We also need to radically improve public transport across the country. That means making it affordable, accessible, and available for all - not just in cities but in every town and village. There must be a willingness in rural communities and local authorities to aim for that too. A Scotland that is better connected in a cost and climate-friendly way is the future our country deserves.”