Scottish Government updates National Transport Strategy

Electric vehicle charging projects feature in the fifth Delivery Plan for Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, which sets out the ways in which the Scottish Government is supporting the delivery of a sustainable, resilient and accessible transport system.

The Scottish Government says it has been implementing range of measures to improve public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, including rural and island grants to help enable the delivery of approximately 24,000 additional public electric vehicle chargepoints by 2030.

The Delivery Plan sets out a range of actions under the four priorities of the strategy.

Reduce inequalities

Actions to reduce inequalities include:

• Continuing to support the delivery of the National Concessionary Travel Schemes
• Offering free rail travel for companions of blind and partially sighted people, permanently
• Removing mid and peak season fares on the Northern Isles Ferry Services for residents of Orkney and Shetland.

Take climate action

Actions to take climate action include:

• Working with local authorities, regional transport partnerships, the private and third sector to deliver the actions set out in the final Climate Change Plan
• A range of measures to improve public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, including rural and island grants to help enable the delivery of approximately 24,000 additional public electric vehicle chargepoints by 2030
• Work to improve the resilience of the trunk road network to severe weather events.

Help deliver inclusive economic growth

Actions to help deliver inclusive economic growth include:

• Investing nearly £1.2 billion in ensuring our motorway and trunk network is safe, resilient and efficient
• Progressing the dualling of the A9 and improvements to other major trunk roads
• Delivering the major vessels programme with MV Glen Rosa at the Ferguson Marine shipyard and three major vessels at the Cemre shipyard.

Improve health and wellbeing

Actions to improve health and wellbeing include:

• Continuing to roll out targeted casualty reduction and active travel measures on the Trunk Road network
• Supporting further delivery of infrastructure projects through our Active Travel Infrastructure Fund
• Working with Regional Transport Partnerships and NHS Boards to deliver the Transport to Health Delivery Plan.

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Transport is a fundamental part of daily life for people of all ages across Scotland. It is essential for wellbeing, enabling social connections, access to leisure and vital services such as healthcare. It underpins nearly every aspect of economic activity, but its impact extends far beyond economics. 

“Transport is vital in reducing inequality and supporting Scotland’s transition to net zero. It connects people with communities and employment opportunities, particularly those who rely on it most. Our commitment to the removal of peak rail fares and the freeze on ticket prices are significant measures that help households retain more of their income while encouraging a shift from car use to more sustainable travel, contributing to climate goals.

“Major infrastructure programmes including dualling of the A9, upgrading of our ports and harbours and investment in modernising our ferry fleet play a central role in the delivery of our economic growth. And, to improve our health and wellbeing, we are taking forward active travel infrastructure improvements and implementing a range of road safety measures. 

“Across Scotland, a wide range of partners and stakeholders – including local authorities, regional transport partnerships, businesses, and individuals – play an important role in delivering the National Transport Strategy. For the first time, this Delivery Plan also highlights some of the work being undertaken by our partners. 

“The actions set out in this Delivery Plan continue to drive forward our vision for a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system, helping to deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland for communities, businesses and visitors.”