Crackdown on ministers’ idling limos

SNP ministers have been forced to order their limo drivers to stop leaving cars idling and parking them in disabled bays.

Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth has raised concerns with providers of the Government Car Service about ‘unacceptable’ actions in the car park of the Scottish parliament.

Miss Gilruth agreed to act after concerns were raised by Conservative MSP Russell Findlay.

The fleet of 28 vehicles is used to transport Nicola Sturgeon and her ministers to and from official engagements.

It is an offence to sit in a stationary vehicle with the engine idling and can result in a £20 on-the-spot fine. Parking in a disabled bay without a blue badge can attract a £60 penalty. Mr Findlay, who obtained video footage of ministerial cars in the disabled bays at Holyrood, said he saw drivers of the fleet breaking the rules ‘most days’ when he was in parliament.

Miss Gilruth has written to him to confirm all drivers have been told it is ‘unacceptable’ to sit with engines idling or to use disabled parking bays unless the minister they are transporting is entitled to.

Mr Findlay said: ‘The fact these abuses were tolerated for so long suggests Nicola Sturgeon and her ministers were comfortable with it.’