12 April 2010
Response to the Independent Budget Review
Transform Scotland has responded to the Independent Budget Review's call for contributions by outlining areas of spending that should be a priority for the Scottish Government. These areas include investment in achieving a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as investment in measures that enhance public health, and continued investment in maintaining Scotland's existing transport assets.
The Scottish Government is committed to achieving a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, in order to achieve this the Scottish Government needs to focus on cost effective schemes such as introduction of travel planning, increases in parking charges and reduction in road speeds. The Scottish Government also has commitments to increasing public health and reducing obesity that can be met by further investment in walking and cycling measures, with the aim of bringing spending in line with levels in European cities. In addition to prioritising spending in the above areas the Scottish Government needs to maintain investment in its existing asset base, allowing the closing of important assets such as the Glasgow Subway are options that should not even be considered.
In order to allow for continued investment in these key areas, Transform Scotland feels it is necessary for the Scottish Government to reverse its commitment to an extensive road building programme which is in direct conflict with its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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