The Scope of the EQIA

This EQIA is comprised of evidence from published data sets and literature as well as feedback from statutory consultation on the draft route map document. Impacts are assessed against each protected characteristic group, as defined by the Equality Act (2010).

In developing car use reduction policy, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government are mindful of the three needs of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) as set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 - eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not and foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

Where any negative impacts have been identified, we have sought to mitigate or eliminate these. We are also mindful that the equality duty is not just about negating or mitigating negative impacts, as we also have a positive duty to promote equality. We are considering how best to work with under-represented groups and are tailoring our communications and engagement strategy to raise awareness of the benefits of reduced car use as well as alternative and active travel options.

This impact assessment was conducted using published data on travel and transport in Scotland and how this relates to protected characteristic groups. It is important to recognise that the Transport Scotland data is unadjusted for potential contributing factors, and it is acknowledged that some differences in transport behaviours by protected characteristic group may be influenced by other under lying factors, for example the group’s employment rate, income level or propensity to live in an urban location.

Additional evidence was gathered through a formal consultation process, as well as through ongoing engagement with stakeholder groups. In total, there were 679 responses to the consultation, of which 64 were from organisations and 615 from individuals.

It is important to recognise that the Transport Scotland data is unadjusted for potential contributing factors, and it is acknowledged that some differences in transport behaviours by protected characteristic group may be influenced by other under lying factors, for example the group’s employment rate, income level or propensity to live in an urban location.