Recommendations and Conclusion

The renewed policy statement for reducing car use has been developed with Transport Scotland’s four priorities of taking climate action; reducing inequalities; helping deliver inclusive economic growth and improving health and wellbeing at its core, and thus impacts on groups with protected characteristics (as well as other marginalised groups including those living in the Islands and other rural communities and those living in socio-economic deprivation) have been considered throughout the development and policy selection process.

As a result of the consultation findings and this EQIA process, the renewed policy statement has been drafted to make clear that any proposed policy should not negatively impact people from marginalised groups, particularly disabled people who may rely on cars more heavily for mobility.

In line with the General Equality Duty (Public Sector Equality Duty) the renewed policy statement will seek to advance equality of opportunity; eliminate unlawful discrimination and foster good community relations. This impact assessment demonstrates the positive impact that the renewed policy statement will have on these objectives, as well as to flagging areas where the potential for negative impacts should be assessed and mitigated as the individual policies are developed. It is recommended that there is continued engagement and consultation with impacted groups on the detailed design of delivery plan(s).