Just Transition: draft plan for transport in Scotland published

The Scottish Government has launch a consultation on its draft plan, which identifies the key challenges and opportunities that the transport sector faces in making a just transition to net zero.

They are seeking views as part of a public consultation, which will run until 19th May 2025.

Since the publication of the National Transport Strategy in 2020, the Scottish Government has taken action to deliver on the priorities it sets out – of reducing inequalities, taking climate action, helping to deliver inclusive economic growth, and improving health and wellbeing. This work has been backed up by significant investment, including over £2 billion per year for our public transport system.

In 2019, Scotland became the first country in the world to establish a Just Transition Commission – a group of experts tasked with providing independent advice on our journey to net zero. In its March 2021 report, the Commission called for the creation of Just Transition Plans for sectors with the highest emissions, such as transport. As part of its response, the Scottish Government created a national framework which is designed to guide the development of these Plans. It is centred around four themes: jobs, skills and economic opportunities; people and equity; communities and place; and environment, adaptation and biodiversity.

This draft Just Transition Plan for Transport is based on that framework, and has been informed by the Commission’s ongoing advice. It is fully aligned with the priorities of our National Transport Strategy, and sits alongside the other Just Transition Plans for specific sectors, sites or regions that we are developing, or which have already been published.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport said:

"Between now and 2045, we need to transform how we travel in Scotland. Currently, transport accounts for the largest share of our greenhouse gas emissions. That needs to change, and the sector needs to decarbonise, in order for us to achieve net zero. We can and must cut emissions, by changing how people, goods and services move around our country and beyond.

"For the sector, and for Scotland as a whole, this level of transformation will create opportunities as well as challenges. As we make the transition, the Scottish Government is determined that our country will realise those opportunities and meet those challenges in a way that is fair and just.

"The Scottish Government understands how important this is – to ensuring that our country takes the right decisions, and that people support the approach we are taking. For all these reasons, we hope as many people as possible take the time to read this document and contribute their views."

You can find the draft Just Transition Plan for Transport at: Just Transition: draft plan for transport in Scotland - gov.scot

You can find the consultation at: Draft Just Transition Plan for Transport - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space