Next Steps

This document marks the continuation of our joint commitment to car use reduction in Scotland with a renewed policy statement. The Scottish Government and COSLA will continue to work in partnership with our key local, regional, and national stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach is taken. In this document, we have made four key commitments which will guide our strategy on car use reduction as we move forward. These are set out again below.

1. We will revise the existing car use reduction target, informed by the advice of the Climate Change Committee and other relevant evidence, to develop a new, longer-term target which will support our 2045 net zero target.
2. We will undertake a regulatory check of existing Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 powers for discretionary local road user charging schemes to allow local authorities and/or regional transport partnerships the option to implement these.
3. We will work with key stakeholders at national, regional, and local level to develop place-based and experience- specific delivery plans to support reduced car use and alternative transport options.
4. Along with a broad coalition of partners, we will drive a national communication and engagement campaign and set out a positive vision around how reducing car use can deliver outcomes for public health, air quality, and the environment.