Updates

Rise in pedestrians killed on urban roads shows need for safer streets legislation

Wed 13 Jun, 2018

Figures showing a rise in the number of pedestrians killed on urban roads underline the need for action on safer streets, according to Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell, whose member's bill aims to lower urban speed limits from 30 to 20mph.

In 2017 there were 26 pedestrians killed on built-up roads in Scotland, up from 23 in 2016.

There was also a 12 per cent increase in serious injuries to cyclists on built-up roads - an 18 per cent increase on the 04-08 average.

Ministers urged to begin detailed mapping of travellers’ sites

Tue 12 Jun, 2018

The mapping of stopping-off places will go a long way in improving the lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers, a Green MSP has told government ministers at Holyrood.

Speaking in a government debate, John Finnie, the Green MSP for Highlands and Islands, says Scottish ministers should carry out mapping of traditional stopping off places, a move that will help prevent Gypsy/Travellers from feeling “ostracised from our cities, towns and villages”.

Mr Finnie, a champion of Gypsy/Travellers’ rights since being elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2011, said:

Transport Bill is a missed opportunity says Finnie

Mon 11 Jun, 2018

The Scottish Government’s transport bill leaves a lot to be desired the Scottish Greens’ transport spokesperson has said.

Green MSP John Finnie says the bill is a “missed opportunity” in many areas of transport, particularly in improving rail services, where trains are not mentioned in the publication.

Mr Finnie, a Highlands and Islands MSP, said:

Scot Gov needs to play catch-up on the worsening problem of empty homes

Wed 6 Jun, 2018

The Scottish Government needs to play catch-up on the worsening problem of empty homes and second homes if it is to tackle the housing crisis, according to Scottish Greens housing spokesperson Andy Wightman MSP.

Publishing a major new report on the issue, Mr Wightman reveals that over the last decade as homelessness has worsened, the proportion of empty homes in Scotland has risen, from 2.76 per cent to 3.05 per cent - a situation he describes as "incredulous".