Kill the cars

Our organisations support the plans for local authorities to be given the powers to introduce a Workplace Parking Levy (WPL). This could bring about a number of significant public benefits, such as reducing congestion, providing investment for sustainable transport options, improving our air quality and bringing down the climate emissions from our transport sector.

It is highly likely that the use of WPL powers will be confined to a small number of councils, but we believe the decision is best made by those who know the needs and transport challenges of the local area. We encourage all political parties to act on the evidence and support giving councils freedom to choose whether to consider a WPL.

There is a clear need for a step change in Scotland’s transport system, and a move away from a dependence on cars. Air pollution, which is primarily from transport, is responsible for the early deaths of 2,500 people in Scotland each year. It causes heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory problems. A Workplace Parking Levy has the opportunity to deliver the dual benefits of reducing emissions whilst creating much-needed investment in sustainable transport infrastructure.

(DR) RICHARD DIXON

Director, Friends of the Earth Scotland.

KIM HARDING

Director, Edinburgh Festival of Cycling

(PROF) TOM RYE

Director of Transport Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier

University

PAUL WHITE

Deputy Director, Confederation of Passenger Transport, Scotland

COLIN HOWDEN

Director, Transform Scotland

ELLIE HARRISON

Campaigner, Get Glasgow Moving

IONA SHEPHERD

Co-convener, Go Bike!

STUART HAY

Director, Living Streets Scotland

IAN FINDLAY

Chief Officer, Paths for All

SALLY HINCHCLIFFE

Pedal on Parliament

ALEX QUAYLE

Senior Policy Officer, Sustrans Scotland

LANG BANKS

Director, WWF Scotland