GREEN TRANSPORT

The transformation of the A9 into Scotland’s first fully electricenabled highway will be a key part of Nicola Sturgeon’s ambition to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles eight years ahead of the UK government target.

The UK government has pledged to ban new petrol and diesel vans and cars from 2040 in an attempt to cut pollution.

Although Holyrood does not have power over vehicle standards and taxation, Ms Sturgeon announced plans to encourage Scottish motorists to move from fossil fuel driven vehicles to electric and low emission models by 2032.

The Green Bus fund, which helps pay for low carbon emission buses, will be accompanied by buying more electric or ultra low emission vehicles in the public and private sectors. There will also be pilot projects to demonstrate the value of electric vehicles when it comes to private motoring.

An innovation fund will encourage business and academia to develop solutions to particular challenges such as charging electric vehicles in highly populated areas dominated by tenement buildings.

The drive to cut pollution will also see plans to introduce a Low Emissions Zone in a Scottish city extended to the four largest cities: Glasgow, Edinburgh Aberdeen and Dundee.

Ms Sturgeon said: “We will work with local authorities to introduce low emission zones in each of our four biggest cities by 2020 and in all other Air Quality Management Areas where necessary by 2023.”

Motoring groups warned that the transformation to electric and ultra low emission vehicles