Agency staff still behind wheel

IT has been leading efforts to persuade Scots to give up their cars and use greener methods of travel.

But it seems staff at Transport Scotland have been reluctant to take the agency’s own advice on ‘active travel’.

A survey answered by 304 of its 443 staff members found that 42 per cent of them use the car for at least part of their journey to work. This is despite the agency’s two main offices – at Victoria Quay in Edinburgh and Buchanan House in Glasgow – being well served by public transport.

Transport Scotland is responsible for promoting the Scottish Government’s vision of an ‘Active Nation’ where people cycle and walk rather than using cars.

Tory transport spokesman Jamie Greene said: ‘We know Nicola Sturgeon and her Cabinet like to swan around in ministerial cars, but it’s a bit of a surprise to find out the Scottish Government’s own transport body are so reliant on their cars as well.’

Transport Scotland carried out a ‘travel to work’ survey of staff in March 2019, which was completed by 304 staff. It found 22 per cent admitted using the car as their ‘primary method of transport to work’. A further 20 per cent said they used the car for part of their journey.

The agency added that 78 per cent of its staff walked or cycled for part of their journey or their complete trip.

Transport Scotland said: ‘During the last three years we have reduced our corporate carbon footprint by 0 per cent, surpassing targets set in 201 . Active travel and public transport are used by the vast majority of our workforce, with almost 80 per cent stating they walk or cycle for part of their journey, and many also using the train or bus. Only around a fifth listed the car as their main method of commuting.’