The Scottish Government is being urged to up the ante on current transport plans by ensuring all city centres are vehicle emission-free by 2030.

The Climate Emergency Response Group says the Scottish Government should signal that every one of Scotland’s city centres will be vehicle emission-free by 2030

Under plans outlined two years ago, the Scottish Parliament is looking to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2032, ahead of the UK Government’s current ambition of 2040.

However, the Climate Emergency Response Group, which comprises civic and business leaders, has called for a quicker clampdown on city centre vehicle emissions as part of a 12-point plan that it says the Scottish Government needs to implement now to avoid breaching 1.5oC of warming and avoid disaster for people and nature around the world.

The measures would also help support the First Minister’s commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland by 2045.

As well as tackling city centre emissions, other actions include initiating four new Green City Region Deals, developing building standards for zero-carbon homes and buildings, and establishing a public-interest company to invest in and operate Carbon Capture and Storage infrastructure.

Daisy Narayanan, director of urbanism at sustainable transport charity Sustrans, said: “These actions will help everyone – individuals, communities and business – to adopt low carbon lifestyles and support a more prosperous society and economy. Transformations to make our cities more liveable, warm homes for all, low carbon diets and support to help farmers meet these new demands – these policies must be the next steps in a just transition to an economically successful and climate-friendly Scotland.”