CoMoUK comments on Accounts Commission report
National shared transport charity Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) has commented on the report from the Accounts Commission on sustainable transport in Scotland. The report outlines that not only will the Scottish Government be “unlikely” to hit targets of reducing car kilometres driven by 20% by 2030, but it also has “no clear plan” on how to achieve it.
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.”
The report also brings attention to how the use of cars has ‘rebounded’ in the years after the Covid-19 pandemic. This is connected to the decreased use in public transport over the past decade. Active travel rates have not increased at a fast enough pace to account for this.
Dilks added: “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.
CoMoUK has outlined increasing shared transport schemes, such as car clubs, bike and e-bike sharing could help address the issue at hand.
Dilks concluded: “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.”
