The Scottish Countryside Alliance has responded to the government’s consultation on Just Transition: draft plan for transport in Scotland , which closed on Monday 19 May. The Plan identifies the key challenges and opportunities currently facing the transport sector. It highlights the important work that is already taking place, while setting out an approach and priorities for the future.

This consultation sought public input on the draft plan for transport in Scotland. It invited views on how the transport sector can decarbonise and cut emissions by changing how people, goods, and services, move around the country and beyond. The draft plan described "a Just Transition for Transport" as making sure that the costs and benefits of the transition – including the benefits of new economic opportunities – are shared fairly. The Scottish Government needs to make sure that, as Scotland transitions to net zero and adapts to a changing climate, no one is left behind.

We called for increased investment in Scotland’s EV charging network and for a more dependable public transport system, especially in rural areas, to help reduce reliance on private cars. We also highlighted the need for rural residents to retain access to non-EV vehicles, due to the limited availability of reliable alternatives at this time.

Our response refuted the suggestion that frequent road users should be subject to higher taxation charges. This would most certainly impact rural residents who rely on regular private car travel for transport to work, employment and access to essential services such as healthcare appointments.

The proposed transition to non-fossil fuel vehicles is yet another challenging target for the Scottish Government given they have failed to reach their interim net zero climate target for 2030, although the net zero target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2045 is still in place. We urge the Scottish Government to work in partnership with residents and consider the specific needs of rural communities, when planning a just transition to net zero.

Read our full response to this consultation here.