Travel Less by Car

Transport is Scotland’s biggest contributor to climate change, especially cars. To achieve net zero, not only do we need to decarbonise travel at a national level, but we all need to drive less and choose sustainable travel options. Walking, wheeling, cycling, getting the bus or using other shared transport can benefit you by making journeys more social and boost your wellbeing.

What’s here

Your Guides Why Sustainable Travel Matters What Scotland is Doing Resources and Links

Guide 1

Reducing your car journeys

By rethinking how you use your car and reducing the number of daily journeys you take, you can help make Scotland a healthier, fairer, greener place to live.

Guide 2

Starting a conversation about sustainable travel

Chatting to others about how you travel can help to normalise making more planet-friendly decisions when it comes to getting around.

Guide 3

Getting started with cycling

Cycling has so many benefits. Here’s how to get started with this healthier and happier way to travel.

Guide 4

Help with the cost of a bike

To help more people in Scotland choose cycling instead of the car for shorter journeys, the Scottish Government has made funding available

Guide 5

Making the most of your walk

Choosing to walk instead of taking the car for shorter journeys gives you fresh air to clear your head and reduces congestion and pollution.

Guide 6

Benefits of public transport

Choosing public transport is a great way to take climate action, save you money and support healthier and happier communities.

Guide 7

Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel

Under 22-year-olds can now sign up for the Scottish Government’s Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel scheme. Find out more and sign-up today.

Why sustainable travel matters

Transport is Scotland’s biggest contributor to climate change.

But if the coronavirus has taught us anything it’s that we can change the way we do things very quickly.

Transport Scotland monitored trends throughout the pandemic and saw significant decreases in car use, whilst Cycling Scotland also reported massive increases in the number of people cycling. A NatureScot lockdown survey saw people report health and wellbeing benefits after spending time outdoors.

28%

Transport accounted for 28% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2021

By continuing to choose active and sustainable travel options in our everyday lives, we’ll help to tackle climate change and decrease congestion and pollution from cars, benefitting communities up and down the country with cleaner, fresher air.

Together we can all play our part to help improve Scotland’s environment and reach net zero emissions.

41%

Of these transport emissions, 41% came from cars.

What Scotland Is Doing

Better roads and paths

Scotland’s active travel vision is that by 2030 walking or cycling will be the most popular choice for shorter everyday journeys.

Not only will this cut carbon emissions and other pollution, but it will give us more pleasant communities to live in, improve our health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities, and support sustainable economic growth.

Funding for active travel in Scotland is now at record levels. The Scottish Government has committed to spend at least £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget, on active travel before 2025 (up from £39 million in 2017/18). We’re investing in high-quality roads and paths across Scotland, to make it easier for people to walk, wheel, and cycle to where they need to go.

Find out more

20 Minute Neighbourhoods

We’re working to develop ‘20 minute neighbourhoods’, which means people being able to meet most of their essential needs – such as leisure activities, school, healthcare, and ideally work – all within a 20 minute walk.

Find out more

Bus Travel

Over 2.3 million people in Scotland – including everyone under 22, those 60 and over, and people with disabilities – can now benefit from free bus travel, saving money and the planet.

Find out more about the benefits

Low Emission Zones

Low Emission Zone enforcement has been introduced in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow city centres to improve air quality. The Scottish Government has provided the framework for LEZs across Scotland, with each local authority responsible for designing and implementing LEZs for their individual city.

If you are the owner of a non-compliant vehicle, you could get a penalty charge notice of £60 (which will double for subsequent offences).

Check your vehicle is compliant