We’re calling on MSPs to reject divisive rhetoric and back a transport system that works for everyone – not just drivers.
Ahead of this afternoon’s Holyrood debate on the so-called “war on Scotland’s motorists,” we’ve issued a detailed parliamentary briefing to all MSPs.
The motion – brought forward by the Scottish Conservatives – calls on the Government to “cease implementing punitive measures against road users,” criticises Low Emission Zones, parking reforms and speed limits, and urges ministers to abandon policies to reduce car use. It even claims that motorists have been “restricted” by measures like bus gates and parking charges, and calls for a review of environmental fines and enforcement.
This framing is deeply misleading and risks undermining efforts to build a cleaner, fairer, and more future-proof transport system. Our briefing outlines a facts-based response and sets out positive, workable alternatives.
Key points:
- The ‘war on motorists’ is a myth. Even the Scottish Parliament’s own information centre (SPICe) has dismissed it as “a rhetorical flourish.” Since 1999, the real cost of motoring has fallen by 19%, while rail fares have risen by 31% and bus fares by 102%.
- Billions are still being spent on roads. Far from being under attack, road users benefit from huge public investment – £4 billion was spent on road expansion between 2010 and 2020, with at least £7 billion more planned.
- Car use is subsidised – not penalised. The full health, social and environmental costs of driving – including road deaths and injuries, pollution-related illnesses, sedentary lifestyles, social inequality and environmental degradation – are not reflected in motoring taxes. When these broader impacts are accounted for, driving remains effectively subsidised.
- Car-first transport planning worsens inequality. Prioritising car use leaves many — especially low-income groups, ethnic minorities, women and older people — without reliable alternatives, often forcing unaffordable car ownership.
Read the briefing in full below.
