Fairly reducing car use in Scottish cities: A just transition for transport for low-income households

During the research that led to this report, we spoke directly to people living on low incomes in Glasgow and heard the daily challenges they face, the role that transport plays in shaping their experience of the city, and their views on what a fairer, greener transport system would look like. We found that there is support for urgently addressing the climate emergency, reducing car use, and bold action to reallocate space to walking, wheeling, cycling, and socialising in their city.

After three decades of limited change in emissions from transport in Scotland, and a missed Scottish government target for carbon reductions in 2019, it is clear that not enough progress has been made in responding to the climate emergency. The challenge for policymakers and practitioners is now to deliver interventions at a pace and scale that transforms the experience of people getting around Scotland’s cities while radically reducing emissions.

People must be provided with better transport alternatives, alongside implementing measures reducing demand for private car use. Improved public transport, increased access to shared mobility and safer cycle routes should all be delivered as part of an integrated plan for reducing the distance travelled by cars.