Publication - Advice and guidance

Climate Change Plan: monitoring report 2025

Published: 20 May 2025
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change
ISBN: 9781836914938

The fifth annual monitoring progress report on the Climate Change Plan update (CCPu) which updated the 2018 Climate Change Plan (CCP) and was finalised in March 2021. The report is a statutory requirement set out in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.

Supporting documents

4. Chapter 3: Transport

4.1 Part A - Overview of sector

The outturn emission statistics for 2022 (published in 2024) show a position of 12.9 MtCO2e.

The CCPu sets out the following policy outcomes for this sector, the indicators for which are summarised below:

To address our overreliance on cars, we will reduce car kilometres by 20% by 2030	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
% reduction in car kilometres	-	x	-

We will phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
% of new car registrations that are ultra-low emissions vehicles (ULEV)	-	x	-
% of new van registrations that are ULEV	-	x	-

To reduce emissions in the freight sector, we will work with the industry to understand the most efficient methods and remove the need for new petrol and diesel heavy vehicles by 2035	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
% of new Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations that are ULEV	-	-	x

We will work with the newly formed Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce, comprised of leaders from the bus, energy, and finance sectors, to ensure that the majority of new buses purchased from 2024 are zero emission, and to bring this date forward if possible.	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
% of new bus registrations that are ULEV	x	-	-

We will work to decarbonise scheduled flights within Scotland by 2040.	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
% reduction in emissions from scheduled flights within Scotland.	-	-	x

Proportion of ferries in Scottish Government ownership which are low emission has increased to 30% by 2032	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
% of ferries that are low emissions	x	-	-

By 2032 low emission solutions have been widely adopted at Scottish ports.

There are no indicators for this policy outcome. More information is provided in Part C.

Scotland’s passenger rail services will be decarbonised by 2035.	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
% of single track kilometres electrified	-	x	-
% of train kilometres powered by alternative traction	-	x	-

Just Transition and Cross Economy Impacts

We wish to understand and report on the broader just transition and cross-economy impacts of our emissions reduction activities in addition to these sector specific policy outcomes and indicators. To do this, in this report we use data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS): Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy (LCREE) publication. The LCREE data presented in this report is based on survey data of businesses which perform economic activities that deliver goods and services that are likely to help generate lower emissions of greenhouse gases, for example low carbon electricity, low emission vehicles and low carbon services. The LCREE indicator is narrowly defined and, while useful within its limited scope, does not give us the full picture of the impacts on workforce, employers and communities and progress towards a just transition. Over the next year, we will work to develop a more meaningful set of success outcomes and indicators aimed at tracking the impacts of our policies on a just transition to net zero, which will inform our next CCP.

Sector Commentary on Progress

Transport emissions rose again in 2022, following the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions on transport demand in 2020 and 2021, resulting in the sector’s emissions exceeding the envelope (9.4 MtCO2e) by around 3.5 MtCO2e.

Although cars continued to be the main source of transport emissions in 2022 – accounting for around 39% of all transport emissions – the main driver of the transport emissions increase over the year to 2022 was a doubling of emissions from international aviation, with smaller increases from road transport and domestic aviation. Overall, transport including international aviation and shipping (IAS) remained the largest contributing sector to total Scottish greenhouse gas emissions.

The Scottish Government recognises that the Transport 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.

Since last year’s report we published our draft Transport Just Transition Plan for consultation in February 2025. We want to make sure that the costs and benefits of the transition – including the benefits of new economic opportunities – are shared fairly. It means using this period of change to eradicate poverty and enhance wellbeing – for example, through measures that promote healthier lifestyles, improve access to transport, or support the natural environment. It means making sure that, as our country transitions to net zero and adapts to a changing climate, no one is left behind.

The AECOM Travel Demand Management Options Study, which explores fair and progressive options to reduce unnecessary car use, was published on 11 December 2024 alongside a Scottish Government (SG) Position Statement. The SG does not have a policy position to progress national (Scotland-wide) road pricing. We continue to call for a collaborative four-nation approach with the UK Government who have key levers of power and responsibility for Fuel Duty reform to support the just transition to Net Zero.

Scotland now has over 6,500 EV public charge points and in October 2024 achieved its target for the delivery of 6,000 public charge points two years ahead of the 2026 target date, through a combination of public funding and increasing private sector investment.

In November 2024 we announced the award of a further £6.3 million to support 11 Local Authorities across North, East and South Ayrshire and across the 8 Local Authorities of the Glasgow City Region, to deliver approximately 3,550 additional public EV charge points in partnership with the private sector.

In December 2024, the Scottish Government published its draft Vision Implementation Plan for public consultation this plan identifies proposed action to deliver the Scottish Government’s Vision for public EV charging as well as providing a route map for delivering approximately 24,000 additional public EV charge points by 2030, largely delivered by the private sector.

In January 2024, Scotland introduced the Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes legislation, alongside England and Wales, extending to UK-wide from January 2025. A four nations joint consultation on a series of amendments to the Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (VETS) Order 2023 closed on 18 February and a consultation response will be published in the Summer of 2025, subject to signoff by Ministers from all four nations. It is estimated that by 2040 this legislation will have saved carbon emissions equivalent to all the carbon emissions generated by Scotland in 2022.

Our ScotZEB 2 challenge fund awarded £41.7 million to Zenobe Energy and their innovative consortium; which will cover 2024-25 and 2025-26 delivering 252 new, zero emission buses and coaches and the beginnings of a pan-Scotland charging network for other large vehicle fleets.

Over 2.3 million children, young people, disabled and older people in Scotland are now benefiting from free bus travel, making over 3 million journeys every week.

Following the publication in March 2024 of our Zero Emission Truck Taskforce’s HGV Decarbonisation Pathway for Scotland, we published research exploring where charging and fuelling sites for zero emission HGVs will be required in Scotland in September. This can be found at Towards Zero Emission HGV Infrastructure in Scotland.

On Aviation, we published the Aviation Statement in July which sets out new actions where the Scottish Government can contribute to decarbonising aviation, growing Scotland’s international connectivity and securing lifeline services in the Highlands and Islands.

The Statement built on existing commitments on working to decarbonise scheduled passenger flights within Scotland by 2040 and to creating a zero-emission aviation region, in partnership with Highlands and Islands Limited.

Developments in Monitoring Arrangements Since Last Report

N/A

4.2 Part B – Progress Policy Outcome indicators

Policy Outcome: Cross-sectoral social and economic

Indicator: FTE employment in Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy Indicator

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Year-to-year change

Most Recent Data: 2022

Data Source(s): Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Estimates, Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Assessment: Too early to say

Commentary: Data for the year 2023 is due to be published later this year, following the release of this report.

In 2022, the Scottish low carbon renewable energy economy (LCREE) sectors were estimated to provide 25,700 FTE jobs. Estimates of LCREE are based on a relatively small sample of businesses and hence are subject to a wide confidence interval.

Scottish LCREE employment in 2022 is lower than in 2021 but the difference is not statistically significant, and caution should be exercised when interpreting year on year changes due to a high degree of uncertainty in estimates.

The trend shows an decrease in employment in low carbon renewable energy sectors in 2022 in comparison to 2021 with an estimate of 25,700 FTE jobs. — Employment in Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy, FTE

Source: Office of National Statistics (ONS) Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Economy Estimates

Policy Outcome: 1

Indicator: % reduction in car kilometres

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Change relative to base year (2019)

Most Recent Data: -3.6% (2019-2023)

Data Source(s): Scottish Transport Statistics 2024

Assessment: Off track

Commentary: Car kilometres rose for the third consecutive year in 2023 following car traffic reductions in 2020 due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite changes to travel patterns via increased use of digital connectivity which enables people to work and connect with others remotely, car kilometres almost recovered to pre-pandemic levels in 2023.

Future travel patterns remain uncertain; however, car use is expected to rise in forthcoming years and would require demand side interventions to deliver car traffic reductions.

The Auditor General and the Accounts Commission Scotland’s Sustainable Transport report also notes that “it is unlikely that the Scottish Government will achieve its target of reducing car kilometres driven by 20 per cent by 2030.” The report sought for Scottish Government to, “clarify its commitment to reducing transport emissions through the car kilometre target” and Scottish Ministers have announced that we will now revise the 20% by 2030 target to set a new, longer-term target for car use reduction, informed by Climate Change Committee (CCC) advice and updated evidence on the transport decarbonisation pathway, and aligned with development of the draft Climate Change Plan.

Policy Outcome: 2

Indicator: % of new car registrations that are Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (ULEV)

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Year-to-year change

Most Recent Data: 15.3% (Year to Q2 2024) / 17.7% (2024)

Data Source(s): Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA); Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Assessment: Off track

Commentary: Significant data delays have resulted in the reporting period being brought forward to Q2 (year ending June) from Q3 (year ending September) as was the case in previous updates.

ULEVs accounted for 15.3% of new car registrations in the 12 months to June 2024, slightly down from 15.8% in the previous year to June 2023.

However, more recent data from the SMMT covering the full year of 2024 shows that ULEVs accounted for 17.7% of new car sales in 2024, up from 15.2% in 2023. A record high of almost 30,000 new ULEVs were registered in Scotland in 2024, an increase of over 19% compared to the previous year

Despite this overall progress in 2024, the rate of new ULEV car registrations is below the Minimum Viable Pathway threshold of 20%, therefore this indicator is considered to be off-track.

Chart shows 2 lines - dark blue line is recorded registrations of ULEV cars (SMMT data); the lighter dashed blue line representing the minimum number of ULEV cars required each year to be marked on track. In 2024, the dark blue line is below the lighter dashed blue line as ULEV cars have fallen beneath the minimum viable pathway. — ULEV car registrations and the minimum viable pathway

Source: Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Policy Outcome: 2

Indicator: % of new van registrations that are ULEV

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Year-to-year change

Most Recent Data: 3.8% (Year to Q2 2024)

Data Source(s): Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA)

Assessment: Off track

Commentary: Significant data delays has resulted in the reporting period being brought forward to Q2 (year ending June) from Q3 (year ending September) as was the case in previous year’s updates.

Over the 12 months to June 2024, ULEV van registrations were 3.9% of all new van registrations, up slightly from 3.6% in the previous 12-month period.

ULEV van registration rose again, with more than 900 new ULEV van registrations over the previous 12-month period - this equates to a 20% increase.

Despite the increase of ULEV vans over the past year, the rate of new registrations fell further behind the minimum viable pathway in 2024 (8.0%) meaning that progress towards this policy outcome is assessed as off-track.

Chart shows 2 lines - dark blue line is recorded registrations of ULEV vans; the lighter dashed blue line representing the minimum number of ULEV vans required each year to be marked on track. In 2024, the dark blue line is below the lighter dashed blue line as ULEV vans have fallen beneath the minimum viable pathway. — ULEV van registrations and the minimum viable pathway

Source: Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency DVLA)

Policy Outcome: 3

Indicator: % of new HGV registrations that are ULEV

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Year-to-year change

Most Recent Data: 0.3% (Year to Q2 2024)

Data Source(s): Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA)

Assessment: Too early to say

Commentary: Significant data delays has resulted in the reporting period being brought forward to Q2 (year ending June) from Q3 (year ending September) as was the case in previous year’s updates.

8 new ULEV HGVs registrations were made in the 12 months to June 2024, representing less than 1% of all new HGV registrations during the same period. This is to be expected with the technological and energy infrastructure challenges that persist for the roll out of lower emission truck solutions at this time.

However, following the publication of the HGV Decarbonisation Pathway for Scotland in March 2024 by Scotland’s Zero Emission Truck Taskforce, which set out actions for the public and private sector to increase the rate of transition to zero emission HGVs, a report was published by Transport Scotland in September 2024 exploring the sites for charging and fuelling for zero emission trucks within Scotland.

Policy Outcome: 4

Indicator: % of new bus registrations that are ULEV

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Year-to-year change

Most Recent Data: 12.3%

Data Source(s): Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA)

Assessment: On track

Commentary: Significant data delays mean it has not been possible to update progress against this indicator in the usual way.

However, alternative data collected by the Department for Transport shows that the share of buses used as Public Service Vehicles that are zero-emission (electric or hydrogen) increased from 11.9% in 2023 to 14.5% in 2024. As such, progress towards decarbonising the bus fleet in Scotland is considered to be on-track.

Policy Outcome: 5

Indicator: % reduction in emissions from scheduled flights within Scotland

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Year-to-year change

Most Recent Data: 2024

Data Source(s): Loganair

Assessment: Too early to say

Commentary: Over the past year to 2024, emissions from Loganair’s scheduled flights within Scotland have risen by 9% even though the number of Loganair scheduled flights fell by 3%. Despite there being inconclusive explanations for the trends, different aircraft used from year-to-year and changes in the volume of flights per route could be why emissions have risen whilst flights fell.

In July 2024, we published an Aviation Statement setting out actions the Scottish Government will take to help grow Scotland’s international connectivity, secure lifeline services in the Highlands and Islands, and play its part in international efforts to decarbonise aviation. This includes:

Examining how low and zero emission aircraft could improve connectivity for islands and rural communities;
Considering options for increasing the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Scotland;
Considering buying hydrogen/electric aircraft for use on public service obligation (PSO) routes to replace current aircraft owned by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL)
Support HIAL to consider how to develop the infrastructure, equipment and training needed for hydrogen and electric aircraft and explore options for accessing UKG funding.

Policy Outcome: 6

Indicator: % of Government owned ferries that are low emissions.

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Progress to target [30% by 2032]

Most recent data: 7% of the current Scottish Government Fleet consists of low

emission vessels.

Data source(s): Transport Scotland

Assessment: On track

Commentary: The Vessels and Ports Plan for the Clyde and Hebrides and Northern Isles networks (2025-2045) (published 2 May 2025) sets out proposals for fleet modernisation and port upgrades to 2045 to meet the Outputs set out in the initial Islands Connectivity Plan (ICP) Strategic Approach paper including “reduction in emissions across the vessel fleets due to vessel modernisation, optimal vessel and hull design, adoption of alternative fuels and an increase in provision of shore power”.

The Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP), under which Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) have just awarded a contract, will provide fully electric, zero-emission capable vessels, significantly increasing the number of low emission vessels in the Scottish Government fleet. New vessel delivery will enable an increase in the resilience of the major vessel fleet through the retention of a “resilience vessel” and allow for the deployment of two summer vessels for the Little Minch routes. These decisions increase the size of the current Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) major vessel fleet by two.

The expected delivery dates for the new Small Vessels are later than anticipated, impacting the share of low emissions vessels and the trajectory, however, it is still on course to meet the target by 2032.

The indicative share of low emission ferries in each year is set out below. Relative to last year, the delivery dates for the new Small Vessels have now been confirmed following the conclusion of CMAL’s procurement. As noted above, these are later than had been anticipated, which has led to an adjustment in the expected trajectory to the target. However, as plans and programmes are in place, as set out the Vessels and Ports Plan (published in May 2025] to deliver a sufficient number of low emissions vessels by 2032, progress towards the target is on-track. The 2023 share was revised down due to the inclusion of the short-term charter vessel from Pentland Ferries, as part of the fleet for the 2023-2025 period, consistent with the planned increase in overall fleet size, for resilience purposes, set out in VPP.

Expected share of vessels in Scottish Government fleet that are low/zero emission:

2018 - 8%
2019 - 8%
2020 - 8%
2021 - 8%
2022 - 8%
2023 - 7%
2024 - 8%
2025 - 7%
2026 - 7%
2027 - 10%
2028 - 19%
2029 - 24%
2030 - 24%
2031 - 24%
2032 - 30%

Policy Outcome: 8

Indicator: % of single track kilometres electrified

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Progress to target [70% by 2034]

Most Recent Data: In December 2023, 27 single track kilometres of electrification was commissioned as part of the Barrhead Electrification project. This increased the length of electrified route from 885^[24] single track kilometres to 912 single track kilometres. The total route length in Scotland is 2,695^[25] single track kilometres. No additions were made in 2024-25. The electrification scheme planned for entry in to service is electrification of the East Kilbride line, which is currently on target to complete in December 2025.

Electric train operations make up 75% of passenger journeys and 58% of passenger vehicle miles in Scotland.

Good progress continues to be made with delivery of new electric power Feeder Stations to support future electrification and resilience of the rail. Of the six Feeder Stations planned as part of Phase 1 of the traction power programme, two have now been completed with Currie Feeder Station entering in to service in 2024-25.

Data Source(s): Office of Rail and Road

Assessment: Off track

Commentary: Scotland has already proved successful in delivering electrification projects efficiently. However, significant upfront capital investment is required to electrify the network. The major infrastructure cost components of electrification are:

Clearance of structures and route;
Installation of Overhead line electrification;
Power feeding and substations; and
Development, design, and project management.

These can limit the routes on which electrification can be cost effective and provide value for money. The economic case for electrification is best on lines which are more intensively used. This is because capital costs for electrification are driven by the extent of electrification whilst benefits are driven by the utilisation of this infrastructure.

Significant delivery challenges exist in respect of available budget given that the capital cost of the rail decarbonisation (including electrification) programme is forecast to exceed available budgets.

Policy Outcome: 8

Indicator: % of train kilometres powered by alternative traction.

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Year-to-year change

Most Recent Data: Whie untested on the Scottish network, battery trains are increasingly being operated internationally. Scotland is uniquely positioned to become a leading nation in the production of reliable, competitive, sustainable hydrogen owing to the combination of its natural resources, infrastructure, and skilled energy workforce. The Hydrogen Policy Statement^[26] published in 2020 confirmed that both renewable and low-carbon hydrogen will play an increasingly important role in Scotland’s energy transition to net zero.

Data Source(s): Transport Scotland, the Hydrogen Action Plan

Assessment: Off-track

Commentary: The Hydrogen Action Plan^[27] provides an overview of some of the sectors where hydrogen might be more or less likely adopted as a route to decarbonisation based on current alternatives and available opportunities. Subject to price and availability, hydrogen in the transport sector could act as a complementary energy source alongside electrification, providing an option for heavy duty vehicles and parts of the rail network, where full electrification is challenging.

The use of battery-electric trains with discontinuous electrification as the end-state for routes where freight does not operate is an option for decarbonisation. This approach offers the opportunity to decarbonise the railway at a lower capital cost than with full electrification. Depending on the extent of electrification required to operate these hybrid trains, for some routes where freight is a factor, this provides an interim or transitional solution which would allow early benefits realisation and optimisation of value for money by significantly reducing capital costs to the taxpayer.

Testing to date has shown that Hydrogen trains only deliver 34% of the efficiency of electric trains (though this is an improvement over diesel). It is expected that technology advancements will be made in the coming years to improve the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells, but it remains a considerable way behind electrification.

4.4 Part C - Information on implementation of individual policies

Outcome 1: To address our overreliance on cars, we will reduce car kilometres by 20% by 2030

Policy: If the health pandemic has moved to a phase to allow more certainty on future transport trends and people’s behaviours – and work and lifestyle choices future forecasting – we will publish a route-map to meet the 20% reduction by 2030 in 2021.

Date announced:CCPu

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: A draft route map was published in January 2020 followed by public consultation. Engagement has continued with COSLA, Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) and SCOTS on development of the car use reduction policy and agreement has been reached on the approach for joint publication of a renewed policy statement in Spring 2025, including actions relating to a timeline on demand management, a commitment set out in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government in September 2024.

AECOM Travel Demand Management Options Study was published on the Transport Scotland website on 11 December adding to the evidence base, alongside a Scottish Government Context and Policy Position stating that this is not Scottish Government policy. Following the Audit Scotland recommendation to clarify our commitment to the target, the Scottish Government will revise the existing target informed by the forthcoming advice of the Climate Change Committee, to develop a new, longer-term target.

In response to Audit Scotland’s recommendation to report on ‘how spending in the year has affected the desired outcomes of fewer people using their car and more people travelling via sustainable modes such as active travel and public transport.’

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: The main indicator to-date is year to year change in % car km reduction (Scottish Transport Statistics 2024 provides the latest data), with localised data also available, as per Audit Scotland’s Sustainable Transport report which uses Road Traffic Statistics from the Department for Transport.

Timeframe and expected next steps: Working in collaboration with COSLA, a ‘renewed policy statement’ will be published in Spring 2025. This will be followed by subsequent development of delivery plan(s) working closely with COSLA, Regional Transport Partnerships and SCOTS, starting later in 2025. As outlined above we will also revise the 20% by 2030 target.

Policy: Commit to exploring options around remote working, in connection with our work on 20-minute neighbourhoods and work local programme.

Date announced: 2020-21 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Local living and 20-minute neighbourhood guidance was published in April 2024 which includes case studies, tools and resources that support the implementation of local living principles and engagement with communities in urban and rural areas. To enable delivery, we also continue to implement the Place Principle, and this is supported by tools for good placemaking such as the Place Standard tool hosted on the Our Place | Our Place website to support engagement and delivery.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Policy: COVID-19 has impacted on how we work. We launched a Work Local Challenge to drive innovation in workplace choices and remote working to support flexible working and our net zero objectives.

Date announced: 2020-21 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As noted in the 2024 report, the Work Local Challenge Programme ran between July 2020 and March 2022 to support innovation and address the challenges caused by the shift in workplace settings and working patterns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme is now closed – funding came to an end and the projects are all concluded.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Policy: We will work with the UK Government on options to review fuel duty proposals, in the context of the need to reduce demand for unsustainable travel and the potential for revenue generation.

Date announced: 2020-21 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Scottish Ministers have written on several occasions to UK Government Ministers (most recently to the Chancellor of the Exchequer prior to the 2024 UK Autumn Budget) requesting meaningful engagement on plans for structural reform of reserved motoring taxation, which the UK Government itself acknowledged is inevitable and required in their recent Net Zero Review. To date, the previous and current UK Government have been unwilling to engage and set out its plans or a timescale for engagement.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: Timeframes on engagement are at the discretion of the UK Government, who have so far been unwilling to engage on the issue. However, Scottish Government Ministers and officials will continue to press for meaningful dialogue, including a four nations approach.

Policy: We will work with local authorities to continue to ensure that their parking and local transport strategies have proper appreciation of climate change, as well as the impact on all road users, including public transport operators, disabled motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Date announced: CCPu Although continuation of work already underway

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Updated Local Transport Strategy (LTS) guidance published in June 2024 which is framed around need to address climate change and has some references to parking policies.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: Commitment complete. Transport Scotland officials are available to guide local authorities through the development of their local transport strategy (LTS) if required.

Policy: To support the monitoring requirement for the National Transport Strategy set out in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, and to further our understanding of how and why people travel, we will develop a data strategy and invest in data. Date announced:CCPu

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Transport Scotland took part in a cohort for the Scottish Government Data Maturity Programme to understand our current data maturity, collaborate with others and receive guidance and resources to enable data transformation. A data maturity assessment was undertaken to help us determine where our strengths are and where we need to make improvements. We continue to use expertise and resources available from the Data Maturity Network via the Knowledge Hub Group. In November 2024, we engaged with local authorities, regional transport partnerships and other industry stakeholders at our Land use and Transport Integration in Scotland (LATIS) Appraisal and Modelling User Group meeting at Victoria Quay to get external feedback on data priorities.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: Further engagement with stakeholders via Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Scotland. Consult on internal draft in Autumn.

Policy: Continue to support the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) programme to encourage behaviour change. Continue to support the provision of child and adult cycle training, and safety programmes including driver cycling awareness training through Bikeability.

Date announced: CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As noted in the 2024 report, the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) programme was brought to a close at the end of March 2024 as part of wider changes delivered through the Active Travel Transformation Programme. The majority of our funding for behaviour change is now provided directly to Regional Transport Partnerships, through the People and Place programme.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Policy: We will grant fund CoMoUK to increase awareness of the role and benefits of shared transport and look at the barriers to uptake of car clubs.

Date announced: PfG 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Although no direct funding is provided from Transport Scotland, Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) have received small pockets of funding from Regional Transport Partnerships through the People and Place programme to support shared transport and hubs. We expect further support to be provided in 2025-26 as we expand the scope of the programme to more formally include Sustainable Travel.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No, although we are developing indicators through our refreshed Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the People and Place programme for 2025-26.

Timeframe and expected next steps: 2025-26; Quarterly reports via RTPs

Policy: Support transformational active travel projects with a £500 million investment, over five years, for active travel infrastructure, access to bikes and behaviour change schemes. Enabling the delivery of high quality, safe walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure alongside behaviour change, education, and advocacy to encourage more people to choose active and sustainable travel. Support the use of E-bikes and adapted bikes through interest free loans, grants, and trials.

Date announced: 2020-21 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: We remain committed to our 2030 vision for active travel. The Active Travel budget allocated for 2024/25 was over £157 million which means over the last 4 years, £500 million has been invested to make walking, wheeling, and cycling more accessible for everyone for short everyday journeys.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: Looking ahead to 2025-26, support for Active Travel remains a priority for this Government, and in 2025-26 we will invest £188.7 million to support high quality active travel and bus infrastructure, sustainable travel integration and behaviour change investment to promote walking, wheeling, and cycling for everyday shorter journeys.

Policy: We have re-purposed almost £39 million of active travel funding for the Spaces for People; this is enabling local authorities to put in place the temporary measures such as pop-up cycle lanes and widening walkways that are needed to allow people to physically distance during transition out of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Date announced: 2020-21 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As noted in the 2024 report, the programme has delivered changes and is now closed.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Policy: Support increased access to bikes for all including the provision of public bike and e-bike share.

Date announced: 2019-2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As noted in the 2024 report, under Access to Bikes we funded the Free Bikes for Schoolchildren commitment. The pilot programme funded 10 pilot projects to test various delivery models and informed the creation of the Free Bikes Partnership run by Cycling Scotland. The pilot projects delivered 3800 bikes and the Free Bikes Partnership a further 612 in FY 2023-24. In FY 2023-24, the Energy Saving Trust provided interest free loans for the purchase of 439 e-bikes. Regional Transport Partnerships can choose to support access to bikes where they deem it a priority to meet the local needs within their area.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Policy: Mobility as a Service and increased use of peer-to-peer car sharing which will help reduce the number journeys made by car. To do this we are harnessing innovation within our transport system through investing up to £2 million over three years to develop ‘Mobility as a Service’ in Scotland.

Date announced: PfG 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Evaluation of the MaaS Investment Fund projects was completed in 2024, with the final programme report published in February 2025.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: For 2025, work will concentrate on establishing a new working group to focus on delivery of future programme objectives such as creation of a national evaluation framework and a Scottish MaaS code of practice. Longer term ambitions include definition of the necessary governance and delivery structure needed, as well as reviews of any legislative requirements and development of a specification for a national MaaS platform.

Policy: We will work to improve road safety, ensuring people feel safe with appropriate measures in place to enable that. We will publish Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030, following consultation on an ambitious and compelling long-term vision for road safety where there are zero fatalities or serious injuries on Scotland’s roads by 2050.

Date announced: 2020-21 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As part of the Road Safety Framework to 2030 we have undertaken a National Speed Management Review (NSMR) and public consultation on the potential reduction of the national speed limit on single carriageway roads from 60mph to 50mph. The consultation closes on the 5 March and a report on the outcomes will be completed by May.

The reduction in speed limits is based on road safety and the reduction in the number of people being killed and seriously injured on our roads, however, there are marginal benefits on the reduction of emissions.

We will complete the national roll out of 20mph speed limits on appropriate roads in scotland, this will result in our streets becoming safer, with more people cycling and walking and therefore reducing the number of trips made by vehicles resulting in a reduction of emissions.

We are also delivering a number of road safety measures through the Road Safety Improvement Fund to promote modal shift and make our streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: The framework sets out a vision for Scotland to have the best road safety performance in the world by 2030 and an ambitious long-term goal where no one is seriously injured or killed on our roads by 2050. It sets challenging targets for the years ahead as we strive to meet our vision to 2030. The targets, along with our progress as of 2022 (which is comparative to the 2014-18 baseline), can be found below.

We expected an increase in road casualties due to traffic returning to our roads following the pandemic. However, the rise in fatalities has been higher than anticipated, hence the reason there has been a greater focus on road safety.

50% reduction in people killed (achieved – 11%)
50% reduction in people seriously injured (achieved – 29%)
60% reduction in children (aged <16) killed (achieved – 11%)
60% reduction in children (aged <16) seriously injured (achieved – 31%)

For the first time, mode, and user specific targets for key priority groups (listed below) have been created to focus attention by partners on our priority areas:

40% reduction in pedestrians killed or seriously injured (achieved – 29%)
20% reduction in cyclists killed or seriously injured (achieved – 41%)
30% reduction in motorcyclists killed or seriously injured (achieved – 24%)
20% reduction in road users aged 70 and over killed or seriously injured (achieved – 11%)
70% reduction in road users aged between 17 to 25 killed or seriously injured (achieved – 36%)

Percentage of motorists driving/riding within the posted speed limit the casualty rate for the most deprived 10% Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) areas is reduced to equal to the least deprived 10% SIMD areas.

Timeframe and expected next steps: The outcomes of the NSMR will be completed by May 2025. 20mph speed limits on appropriate roads will be completed by December 2025. Road safety schemes to promote modal shift will be completed by the end of March and will continue into future Road Safety Improvement Fund delivery plans.

Policy: We are committed to taking forward policy consultation in advance of drafting supporting regulations and guidance to enable local authorities to implement workplace parking levy schemes that suit their local circumstances.

Date announced: 2019-2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Regulations came into force in March 2022 and guidance was published in June 2022, so local authorities are now able to use their discretionary powers to implement WPL schemes.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: The milestones (regulations in force and guidance published) have been completed in 2022.

Timeframe and expected next steps: The policy milestones have been completed. It is now a decision for local authorities whether to take forward local schemes.

Policy: We will bring forward a step change in investment with over £500 million to improve bus priority infrastructure to tackle the impacts of congestion on bus services and raise bus usage. We will launch the Bus Partnership Fund in the coming months to support local authorities’ ambitions around tackling congestion

Date announced: 2019-22 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: None due to the pausing of the Bus Partnership Fund in 2024-25 due to budgetary constraints. As per last year’s report, we have provided £26.9 million of funding for bus priority through the Bus Partnership Fund since it commenced. This has delivered bus gates, enforcement cameras and traffic light equipment to help buses get through them more quickly in North Ayrshire, Glasgow, Inverness, and Edinburgh. It has also made a number of temporary measures, such as bus lanes, permanent in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Bus gates in Aberdeen City Centre have reduced journey times for passengers by up to 25% benefitting over 600,000 passengers each month. A bus gate at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness is also due to open at the end of March. A number of business cases have also been completed which identify further bus priority measures.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: The draft budget for 2025-26 indicated that a Bus Infrastructure Fund is proposed for 2025-26. This will deliver bus priority as well as other bus infrastructure measures. The fund is currently under development and details will follow in due course.

Policy: We remain committed to delivering a national concessionary travel scheme for free bus travel for under 19s, and have begun the necessary preparations including planning, research, legal review, and due diligence.

Date announced: 2020-21 PfG and Budget 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: In 2021 it was announced that this scheme would be extended to under 22s, and in the three years since the scheme started in January 2022, over 200 million journeys had been made by cardholders, demonstrating the appetite for sustainable travel in Scotland

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: The Year One Evaluation of the Young Persons Scheme (YPS) was published in December 2023 and can be found at https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/summary-report-year-1-evaluation-young-persons-free-bus-travel-scheme/. Further evaluations will be undertaken in the coming years.

Timeframe and expected next steps: The Scheme has proved very successful in providing free bus travel for all young people in Scotland. Further evaluations will be undertaken in the coming years.

Policy: We are also carrying out a review of discounts available on public transport to those under the age of 26 – due for completion end of December 2020 (with consultation planned on young people’s views on the impacts of COVID 19 and post lockdown measures on public transport usage and behaviour).

Date announced: 2020-21 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As noted in 2024 report, Scottish Government has carried out analysis on a range of options including the cost of extending free bus travel and on concessionary travel across all modes of public transport to those under the age of 26. This included cost and benefit analysis. The review has concluded and was published on the Transport Scotland website on 22 September 2022 at Under 26 Concessionary Fares Review.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Policy: Delivery of our first Active Freeways – segregated active travel routes on main travel corridors connecting communities and major trip attractors.

Date announced: CCPu

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: A number of new projects being delivered through the Places for Everyone programme already meet the definition of an Active Freeway; this includes South City Way in Glasgow, the Edinburgh East West Route and the Broughty Ferry project that will link to central Dundee.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Policy: That spending in the year is resulting in fewer young people using their car and travelling more via sustainable modes such as active travel and public transport

Date announced:

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: The Scottish Government’s young person’s free bus travel scheme for under-22s started in January 2022 with an aim to embed positive sustainable travel behaviours; open up social, education, employment and leisure opportunities; and reduce household outgoings to aid children, particularly those living in poverty. Popularity is growing – with almost 800,000 young people in Scotland owning a card, and more than 80 million journeys having taken place during FY 2024-25. As a result, Government spending to reimburse operators for journeys made under the scheme has increased again – around £190 million in the latest year.

An evaluation of the scheme after its first year has indicated signs of progress in delivering against most of the aims and expected outcomes. The report found that the scheme was enabling young people to develop positive sustainable travel habits, even though evidence of modal shift from car use to buses was limited. There was clear evidence of the scheme creating social, leisure, educational, employment and voluntary opportunities for young people, making support services more accessible, and helping to reduce household outgoings through cost savings related to travel.

Good progress was made in 4 of the 5 short term outcomes, with mixed evidence in relation to outcome 2 (fewer young people learning to drive). All 3 medium-term outcomes were on course to be achieved, and half of the 4 long-term outcomes were on track – more time will be required to assess changes to poverty rates amongst young people and private car kilometres.

In 2024-25, we allocated over £66 million to Sustrans to fund local authorities and others to deliver active travel infrastructure, and upgrade and expand the National Cycle Network. Although there are currently no indicators available around how this funding has directly reduced car use, data from Cycling Scotland show increases of over 30% in the number of cycle journeys in summer 2024 compared with summer 2023, with a site in Stirling recording a 100% increase.

Further analysis has shown that Investment in two key urban cycle routes in Glasgow and Edinburgh have resulted in a record share of journeys by bike in Scotland, with the also showing peaks in morning and evening rush hours, indicating that these routes are being used for everyday journeys.

More time will be required to assess options for indicators or milestones on how in year funding for sustainable travel modes has affected car use.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: As above

Timeframe and expected next steps: As part of a shift in our approach, in 2025-26, through the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund, Transport Scotland will directly fund local authorities, regional transport partnerships and national parks for both the design and construction of active travel infrastructure.

To support the continued ambitions and leadership of our towns and cities – and to make walking, wheeling, and cycling easier for shorter everyday journeys, in 2025-26 the Scottish Government will invest £188 million to make it even easier for people to choose sustainable active travel.

Outcome 2: We will phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.

Policy: We will consider and develop new financing and delivery models for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Scotland and working with the

Scottish Future Trust to do so.

Date announced: Boosted in 2019-20 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: New financing delivery models are being implemented through the £30 million Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund supporting local authorities to work in partnership with the private sector to leverage private investment to continue grow public EV charging infrastructure across Scotland. To date 18 local authorities have had funding confirmed and are progressing public procurement.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: Funded projects are expected to attract approximately £30 million in matched private sector funding and deliver approximately 6,000 additional public electric vehicle charge points across Scotland. The total amount of private sector investment secured, and the total number of public charge points funded will be identified once all participating local authorities have completed public procurement.

Timeframe and expected next steps: All funding will have been awarded by March 2025 and local authorities will have commenced or will shortly commence public procurement with the expectation that they will complete the delivery of these projects by the end of 2028/29.

Policy: We have invested over £30 million to grow and develop the

ChargePlace Scotland network which is now the 4th largest in the UK. We will continue to develop the capacity of the electric vehicle charging network.

Date announced: CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As noted in the 2024 report this is complete – we have now invested over £65 million to develop the Charge Place Scotland network. We will continue to develop the capacity of the electric vehicle charging network via the EV infrastructure Fund (see above) as we shift away from the CPS model to one that is more commercially oriented in order to meet future demand at the necessary pace and scale.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Policy: Our Low Carbon Transport Loan has provided over £185 million of interest free loans to individuals and businesses across Scotland supporting the transition to low carbon vehicles. We have now refocused the scheme to focus on used vehicles as well as targeting Small and Medium Enterprises along with Third Sector Organisations.

Date announced: CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: With the introduction of the four nation Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (VETS) Order 2024, regulation now exist mandating the sale of zero emission vehicles. As a result of this legislation electric vehicles have made up around one in five of all new cars sold across the UK in each month in late 2024 and early 2025. As a result of this "mainstreaming" of electric vehicles consumer support through the Low Carbon Transport Loan has prioritised supporting those with household incomes of £50,000 or less to purchase affordable used electric vehicles as part of a Just Transition. Our Low Carbon Transport Loan has now provided over £230m of interest free loans to individuals and businesses across Scotland.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No, this is an ongoing support package.

Timeframe and expected next steps: Subject to the need for a continued policy intervention, and available funding, this scheme will continue to operate to support drivers to make the transition to zero emission vehicles.

Policy: We will continue to promote the uptake of ULEVs in the taxi and private hire sector.

Date announced: CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: The uptake of ULEVS in the taxi and private hire sector is supported through the Low Carbon Transport Loan.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No, this is an ongoing support package.

Policy: Continue to promote the benefits of EVs to individuals and fleet operators (exact nature of promotion to be decided annually).

Date announced: 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: We continued to promote and support the uptake of EVs through a range of consumer incentive schemes delivered by the Energy Saving Trust, and independent organisation working to address the climate emergency.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No, this is an ongoing support package.

Timeframe and expected next steps: Subject to the need for a continued policy intervention, and available funding, we will continue to provide support to consumers and businesses to transition to zero emission vehicles.

Policy: We will work with public bodies to phase out the need for any new petrol and diesel light commercial vehicles by 2025.

Date announced: 2019-20 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: We have continued to support public bodies to decarbonise their fleets, working with the Energy Savings Trust (EST) to provide advice and support. Through the Fleet Manager Forum EST have promoted best practice and provided opportunities for fleet managers to learn from peers and understand the range of services and technologies available from the private sector. We are also supporting the public sector fleet decarbonisation through the development of a Public Sector Fleet Decarbonisation Action Plan, developed in partnership with public sector fleet operators to identify current routes to decarbonisation.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: Publication of the Public Sector Fleet Decarbonisation Action Plan in mid to late 2025, developed in partnership with public sector fleet operators to identify current routes to decarbonisation.

Timeframe and expected next steps: We will continue to work with the public sector to take forward actions identified in the published Public Sector Fleets Decarbonisation Action Plan.

Policy: We will support the public sector to lead the way in transitioning to EVs, putting in place procurement practices that encourage EVs. In the

Programme for Government we committed to work with public bodies to phase out the need for any new petrol and diesel light commercial vehicles by 2025.

Date announced: 2019-20 PfG

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: Publication of the Public Sector Fleet Decarbonisation Action Plan in mud to late 2025, developed in partnership with public sector fleet operators to identify current routes to decarbonisation.

Timeframe and expected next steps: We will continue to work with the public sector to take forward actions identified in the published Public Sector Fleets Decarbonisation Action Plan.

Policy: Create the conditions to phase out the need for all new petrol and diesel vehicles in Scotland’s public sector fleet by 2030.

Date announced: 2019-20 PfG

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: Publication of the Public Sector Fleet Decarbonisation Action Plan in mud to late 2025, developed in partnership with public sector fleet operators to identify current routes to decarbonisation.

Timeframe and expected next steps: We will continue to work with the public sector to take forward actions identified in the published Public Sector Fleets Decarbonisation Action Plan.

Policy: We will continue to invest in innovation to support the development of ULEV technologies and their adoption.

Date announced: CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As noted in the 2024 report, Transport Scotland worked closely with Scottish Enterprise to fund innovation through the Can Do Innovation Fund as well as providing funding via a Zero Emission Mobility Innovation Fund. In total over 15 projects were funded supporting small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large companies to innovate. Transport Scotland also created an Academic Network providing early-stage funding for businesses to work with academic expertise across Scotland’s universities.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Policy: Take forward the initiatives in respect of connected and autonomous vehicles set out in A Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) Roadmap for Scotland.

Date announced: CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Transport Scotland continued to support CAVForth 2 during 2024, during which time an incident took place during testing of the service which resulted in the suspension of autonomous operation. Transport Scotland were then notified that the service was due to be withdrawn at the end of February 2025 due to low patronage.

In relation to the initiatives set out in the CAV Roadmap for Scotland, Transport Scotland has focused on developing our approach to connecting our service. This is covered by two broad areas of delivery in directly communicating with road users in trip and by harnessing the benefits of connected vehicle data.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A - Transport Scotland has delivered all of its commitments as a partner in Project CAV Forth.

Timeframe and expected next steps: We will continue to develop our connected vehicle strategy and document this in our planned Future Vision for the Traffic Scotland Service.

Policy: With local authorities and others, evaluate the scope for incentivising more rapid uptake of electric and ultra-low emission cars and vans.

Date announced: CCP 2018

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: Publication of the Public Sector Fleet Decarbonisation Action Plan in mud to late 2025, developed in partnership with public sector fleet operators to identify current routes to decarbonisation.

Timeframe and expected next steps: We will continue to work with the public sector to take forward actions identified in the published Public Sector Fleets Decarbonisation Action Plan.

Outcome 3: To reduce emissions in the freight sector, we will work with the industry to understand the most efficient methods and remove the need for new petrol and diesel heavy vehicles by 2035.

Policy: To support businesses, we will establish a Zero Emission heavy duty vehicle programme and will invest in a new zero drivetrain testing facility in 2021.

Date announced: 2020-21 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: A Zero Emission Mobility Innovation Fund (ZEMIF) was established in 2022 with a national budget of £28m over four years to support the manufacture and deployment of zero emission heavy duty vehicles. However, due to budget pressures, the fund was withdrawn in 2023. Additionally, Transport Scotland made available up to £7 million for the development of the Low Carbon Transport Applications Centre (LOCATE) facility for testing and developing zero emission drivetrains. Initially intended to be deployed at the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc in Dundee, work is under way to establish the facility at the Energy Technology Zone (ETZ) in Aberdeen.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: A single ZEMIF award of £5 million was made before the programme closed, to support a wider £13 million grant made by Scottish Enterprise to Alexander Dennis Ltd for the establishment of a facility to develop and manufacture zero emission buses. The delivery of the project, including the setting of milestones and assessment of progress, is managed by Scottish Enterprise. The LOCATE facility is under development.

Timeframe and expected next steps: There are no further steps planned for the ZEMIF scheme, which is considered closed. An assessment of the suitability to establishing LOCATE at the ETZ is expected shortly.

Policy: Explore the development of green finance models to help business and industry to invest in new road transport technologies.

Date announced: CCPu

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Transport Scotland are taking forward an action from the HGV Decarbonisation Pathway to convene a forum for financiers and operators in March 2025. We are working with Scottish Futures Trust drawing together haulage operators, commercial finance, charge point operators and manufacturers. Good interaction with Green Finance Institute on their work around residual value guarantees for zero emission HGVs. ScotZEB 2 continues to be in the delivery phase, and we are monitoring progress for lessons learned opportunities from the bus financing to see what can be applied to the heavy-duty vehicle sector.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: On March 19 2025 Transport Scotland hosted a Financing Forum for the HGV sector. This forum brought together HGV fleet operators, innovative and traditional financiers, manufacturers and charge-point operators to explore proactive actions which can be taken by the sector and government in the short-term in order to unlock HGV decarbonisation in Scotland. Financing will play a key role in unlocking decarbonisation at pace and scale for HGVs, and the forum sought to strengthen relationships and share learning between financiers and operators. Engagement with the sector will continue and actions from the forum will be taken forward by the sector and government respectively.

Policy: We will engage with industry to understand how changing technologies and innovations in logistics (including consolidation centres) can help to reduce carbon emissions, particularly in response to the increase in ecommerce

Date announced:CCPu

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As noted in the 2024 report, the Zero Emission Truck Taskforce published its HGV Decarbonisation Pathway for Scotland in March 2024 with collaborative actions focusing on unlocking transition. This was a collaboration among senior industry leaders alongside government.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: As noted in the 2024 report, implementation of actions for Scottish Government and others within the pathway; expectation to update the pathway in 3 years as technology matures.

Policy: Continue to investigate the role that other alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, and biofuel can play in the transition to a decarbonised road transport sector. Consider the scope for testing approaches to alternative fuels infrastructure and supply

Date announced: CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As noted in the 2024 report, we commissioned research on the potential opportunities for Scotland in alternative fuels in the decarbonisation of transport. The research suggested the most promising opportunities were around alternative fuels for aviation and maritime. Exploration of the opportunity around sustainable aviation fuel is ongoing with industry.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: As noted in the 2024 report, Aviation, and maritime sector teams to continue to explore the role of alternative fuels.

Policy: Launched the new Hydrogen Accelerator (H2A) Programme to attract technical experts to help scale up and quicken the deployment of hydrogen technologies across Scotland.

Date announced: July 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As reported in last year’s report, the Hydrogen Accelerator ran from 2020 to March 2024 and supported projects in the development of hydrogen for transport including a hydrogen rail demonstrator which was showcased at COP26.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: Funding for the Hydrogen Accelerator ended in March 2024.

Outcome 4: We will work with the newly formed Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce, comprised of leaders from the bus, energy, and finance sectors, to ensure that the majority of new buses purchased from 2024 are zero-emission, and to bring this date forward if possible.

Policy: We have introduced a revised green incentive of the Bus Service Operators Grant.

Date announced: April 2019

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As noted in the 2024 report, this policy ran until 31 March 2022 when the Network Support Grant replaced the Bus Service Operators Grant, where there is no longer a green incentive given the numbers of zero emission buses now coming into operation.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: On 31 March 2024, the 5-year transition period for light commercial vehicles (LCV) ended. The remaining green incentives will complete their 5-year transition period by 31 March 2027.

Timeframe and expected next steps: The incentive will totally cease from 31 March 2027.

Policy: We launched a £9 million Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme (SULEBS).

Date announced: August 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: SULEBS ran in 2020 and 2021.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: Through SULEBS, 272 zero-emission vehicles and their supporting infrastructure were acquired by Scottish bus operators, supported by over £50 million of government subsidy.

Timeframe and expected next steps: Scheme was superseded by the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge fund (ScotZEB).

Policy: In the context of the National Transport Strategy Delivery Plan and Transport Act, we will examine the scope for climate change policies, in relation to buses, across the public sector in high-level transport legislation strategies and policies.

Date announced: CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: We introduced The Transport Partnerships (Transfer of Functions) (Scotland) Order 2024; The Bus Services Improvement Partnerships (Multi-operator travel cards) (Scotland) Regulations 2024; The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (Commencement No.8) Regulations 2024; The Public Service Vehicles (Registration of Local Services) (Bus Services Improvement Partnerships Service Standards Decisions) (Appeals) (Scotland) Regulations 2024; Package of SSIs making provision about the appeals against certain decisions of the Traffic Commissioner (excluding service standards decisions); The Local Service Franchises (Traffic Commissioner Notices and Panels) (Scotland) Regulations 2024; and work is ongoing on the delivery of the transitional process for franchising regulations and on the delivery of the Partnership and Franchising guidance which will complete remaining regulations and guidance to fully deliver bus franchising and partnership powers.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: The last remaining franchising regulation will be laid in Spring 2025 followed by guidance, which will give the partnership and franchising powers full effect.

Policy: We will work to align government financial support of £120 million over the next 5 years with private sector investment to drive forward a fully decarbonised future for Scotland’s bus fleet and support the Scottish supply chain.

Date announced:CCPu

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: An award of £41.7 million was made to Zenobe Energy Ltd., leading an innovative consortium comprised of bus operators of various sizes who will deliver 252 new zero emission buses for Scotland. Supporting the transition will be a number of electrified bus depots, with charging infrastructure to support the buses provided through ScotZEB, and opened to third parties where possible to enable other road users - particularly HDV fleets - to have the confidence to transition.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: Through Scottish Government interventions SULEBS and ScotZEB, we have supported the acquisition of zero emission buses and their supporting infrastructure, bringing the total number of zero emission buses up from less than 20 to more than 800.

Timeframe and expected next steps: ScotZEB 2 FY1 will be concluding in March 2025. The first year has seen considerable success, and the full suite of benefits promised in the application are expected in FY2. This is inclusive of 252 new zero emission buses, charging infrastructure and depots open to 3rd party charging for other road users.

Outcome 5: We will work to decarbonise scheduled flights within Scotland by 2040.

Policy: We will aim to create the world’s first zero emission aviation region in partnership with Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL). This will include taking action to decarbonise airport operations in the HIAL region.

Date announced: Green New Deal 2019

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: We published an Aviation Statement in July 2024, which sets out the actions we will take to encourage aviation decarbonisation including in the HIAL area.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: The Aviation Statement notes Ministers' intentions to hold regular meetings with the sector to determine progress on decarbonisation, including what further action is required.

Policy: We will begin trialling low or zero emission planes in 2021.

Date announced: 2020-21 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: As noted in the 2020 report, this commitment has been delivered with a test flight taking place in 2021.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Policy: The Scottish Government will continue to engage with Aviation sector to encourage sustainable growth post COVID-19.

Date announced:CCPu

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Our Aviation Statement commits Ministers to meeting regularly with aviation stakeholders to discuss the progress being made on reducing emissions. Ministers intend to hold their first ministerial roundtable on aviation decarbonisation in 2025, focusing on the infrastructure required for hydrogen and electric flight. This will contribute to encouraging sustainable growth.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Policy: Explore the potential for the purchase of zero/low emission aircraft by the Scottish Government, for lease back to operators, with more detailed assessment in the forthcoming Aviation Strategy.

Date announced:CCPu

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: The Aviation Statement contained a modified action to "Consider buying hydrogen/electric aircraft for use on PSO routes to replace current HIAL-owned aircraft."

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: Hydrogen/electric aircraft are not yet commercially available with no certainty over when they will be. We will consider the practical issues that need to be addressed in advance of such craft becoming available so that we are well positioned to consider purchasing them.

Policy: Explore options for incentivising the use of more sustainable aviation fuel as we develop our Aviation Strategy, recognising that significant levers in this area are reserved.

Date announced:CCPu

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) working group met on 3 occasions and considered policy options around SAF. Its work was put on hold as Project Willow was considering the possibility of developing SAF at Grangemouth.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: We await the outcome of Project Willow to determine whether the SAF working group should be reinstated.

Outcome 6: Proportion of ferries in Scottish Government ownership which are low emission has increased to 30% by 2032.

Policy: Continue to examine the scope for utilising hybrid and low carbon energy sources in the public sector marine fleet as part of our vessel replacement programme.

Date announced: CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: The finalised versions of the two initial Islands Connectivity Plan (ICP) documents (the Strategic Approach and the Vessels and Ports Plan) are in the final stages of approval before publication imminently. There is no significant further update to add to the 2024 Progress Report.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: The progress of this work is tied in with the programme for procurement of new ferry vessels.

Policy: Working with the UK Government to support proposals at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to significantly lower shipping carbon emissions in the global sector, including the option of introducing a global levy on marine fuel to fund research in cleaner technologies and fuels.

Date announced: 2020-21 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Work is continuing, with aims for the maritime sector to join the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) advancing at pace this year, and key IMO votes on maritime regulations expected shortly.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: IMO work is ongoing. No set deadlines.

Outcome 7: By 2032 low emission solutions have been widely adopted at Scottish ports.

Policy: Working with individual ports and the British Ports Association to consider a process for encouraging shared best practice initiatives for reducing emissions across the sector.

Date announced:CCPu

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Scottish stakeholders have been successful in being awarded funding through the UKSHORE initiative. Ports are continuing to move their facilities towards zero and lower carbon technologies. Work is ongoing with UKG, Ofgem, National Energy System Operator and network companies to develop grid improvements, to enable more shore side power.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Policy: Working with the ports sector and with its statutory consultees through the Harbour Order process to ensure future port developments are environmentally underpinned.

Date announced:CCPu

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: Environmental consideration is key to any works Harbour Orders being progressed. Often port developments are required to help facilitate new offshore renewable works.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: No

Timeframe and expected next steps: N/A

Outcome 8: Scotland’s passenger rail services will be decarbonised by 2035

Policy: Our commitment to decarbonise (the traction element of) Scotland’s railways by 2035 will be delivered through investment in electrification and complementary alternative traction systems. Transport Scotland has published the Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan (July 2020) which will be updated as appropriate. Work is ongoing by industry partners to develop the initial schemes.

Date announced: 2020-21 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: This commitment was updated in December 2024 to decarbonise (the traction element of) Scotland’s railways by 2045. Construction works on the East Kilbride electrification and enhancement project have continued throughout 2024, towards a planned completion in December 2025. Good progress on delivering Feeder Stations to make existing power supplies for electrification more resilient and provide power for the next phase of electrification schemes is being made.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: The rail decarbonisation target date is being revised to 2045, as the 2035 target is considered unachievable. This was advised to the Net-Zero Committee in December 2024.

Timeframe and expected next steps: An update to the Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan is to be published in 2025. Significant delivery challenges exist in respect of available budget on the basis that the capital cost of the rail decarbonisation programme is forecast to exceed available budgets.

Policy: We will establish an international rail cluster in Scotland to unlock supply chain opportunities using the interest at Longannet as a catalyst. This will be built around existing strengths in rail in Scotland and will seek to enhance the innovation and supply chain in the decarbonisation of our rolling stock and wider network.

Date announced: Part of Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan July 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: To date 709 individuals have registered with the rail cluster project, 501 registered companies and 308 SME’s registered.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps: An updated Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan is due to be published in 2025. A replacement for the High-Speed Train (HST) fleet which operates on its InterCity routes between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness is currently being procured.

Policy: Continue to deliver our Rail Freight Strategy.

Date announced: CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu: On-going work continues, in conjunction with industry partners and third-party investors, to increase rail freight on the Scottish network. The Scottish Ministers have set a regulatory target for Network Rail to grow rail freight by 8.7% with an expectation that 10% may be achievable in the current rail control period which runs from 2024-2029. Network Rail is also required to put a plan in place for longer-term growth and has been working collaboratively with the rail freight industry and customers on how both short and longer term growth can be achieved. The plans that have been developed include outputs on demystifying rail freight and a draft land strategy which has maps showing the locations of all of the freight terminals in Scotland. This work is designed to make rail freight more accessible to companies that have not used rail previously. Network Rail is also reaching out to companies who do not currently use rail to promote the benefits of rail and help to understand how any potential barriers can be overcome.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these: There are no official annual targets or indicators, but Network Rail monitors the targets for the control periods on a quarterly basis.

Timeframe and expected next steps: There are no defined or specific Scottish Government/Transport Scotland timescales for completing the actions. Network Rail's regulatory targets have their own associated milestones and timescales, and evaluation will take place at the end of the control period (post end March 2029).

Contact

Email: climatechangeplan@gov.scot

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