Policy officer Laura Hyde-White comments on the recent UK general election, highlighting its impact on transport in Scotland.
What does the new UK Government mean for Scottish transport?
Transport is largely a devolved issue, meaning (in general) UK politics doesn’t affect the Scottish Government’s ability to make transport decisions. However, certain powers, particularly those related to taxation such as fuel duty, remain under Westminster’s jurisdiction.
This is important since the former UK government’s decisions in this area have made driving cheaper than using public transport – a policy undermining efforts to promote sustainable transport.
Unfair transport prices
Specifically, every UK Government since 2011 has frozen fuel duty rates at or below 2010 levels, effectively subsidising car use. At the same time, public transport fares have risen, and – in the case of rail fares – deliberately raised at rates above inflation every year.
This is problematic for both climate goals and social equity.
Carbon Brief reports that freezing this tax on motoring has increased emissions and the Social Market Foundation adds that this year’s fuel duty freeze ‘will cost the government over £20 billion and do nothing to alleviate poverty’.
It is worth noting that this policy decision has seen £130 billion of public funds spent over thirteen years, with minimal savings for the average household.
The outgoing UK administration also failed to address the implications for public finances brought on by the transition to electric vehicles, which pay no fuel duty. This policy gap has left a black hole in the budget that needs urgent attention.
Looking ahead
From the new Labour government, we’d like to see more strategic policy-making that prioritises sustainable transport and robust public finances, including an end to fuel duty freezes and the introduction of road user charging.
This measure is vital for addressing the decline in fuel duty revenue as vehicle fleets shift towards decarbonisation. Coordinating a unified, four-nation approach is key to effectively tackling the climate crisis and ensuring equitable transport policies across Scotland and the entire UK. Such collaboration will help manage car use, reduce emissions, and create a more equitable transport system.
As the new UK Government takes shape, Transform will be keeping a close watch on developments, and will continue to advocate for these critical measures to support sustainable transport and work towards a greener, fairer future for all.
