The Accounts Commission in Scotland has today published its report on the state of sustainable transport in the country and specifically the progress the Scottish government is making in meeting its own targets
Those targets were set in 2020 when the Scottish Government said it would aim to reduce car kilometres driven by 20% by 2030.
While accepting that this was a ‘very challenging’ ambition the Commission has found little evidence of progress, amid a confused political environment and the lack of a cohesive strategy.
Since the targets were set, the use of public transport has fallen and people are not walking or cycling more. Tellingly however, car use has returned to near pre-pandemic levels.
The report questions the Government’s commitment to meeting the target, and highlights the scattergun approach to funding, much of which has only a tenuous link to reducing car use.
Locally, some councils are making more effort than others, while those in rural areas are often hamstrung by the paucity of the public transport provision.
While schemes have been funded to encourage active travel and the use of public transport, the report suggests that there are not enough schemes to actively discourage the use of cars. They suggest a range of measures that could be considered, including workplace parking, national road charging and Low Emission Zones.
The commission calls on the Government for clarity on how they intend to meet their target (if indeed they are still minded to), how much it will cost and how they will check if their policies are working.
They ask that the Government publish guidance for councils on how to reduce car use and the need to travel in their communities. Also that they talk to the public about their travel choices and try to educate people to use their cars less.
Commenting on the report, Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: ‘These findings are sadly not surprising, as the Scottish Government currently has no established plan to back up its admirable target on cutting car kilometres driven.
‘Given the urgency of the climate emergency, the time wasted so far is very disappointing, but ministers can still make a significant impact if they grasp the opportunity.
‘Expanding the provision of shared transport would reduce the need for private car journeys by making it easier for people to take short trips in a sustainable way.
‘Our research has repeatedly highlighted the benefits of schemes such as shared bikes and car clubs, which not only help to take cars off the roads, reduce emissions and cut congestion, but also improve people’s physical and mental health.
‘Scotland is also well-placed to lead the way in the UK by establishing a network of mobility hubs, which can seamlessly connect such schemes with public transport and other active travel options.’
The full report can be read here.