MSP leads call for Holyrood to stand up for motorists' interests

Tories have called for an end to “punitive” policies towards drivers and a switch to more investment in EV chargers and incentives for greener choices as they demanded an end to the Scottish Government's “war on motorists”.

- by Ian Swanson

Lothian Tory MSP Sue Webber led the party's charge in a debate in the Scottish Parliament, urging the SNP to stop viewing drivers as “bogeymen”.

But other parties branded the Tories' language “reckless” and “silly” and emphasised the need to promote public transport and active travel in order to reduce emissions.

Opening the debate, Ms Webber said: “The Scottish Conservatives will always stand up for motorists, unlike the left-wing parties in this chamber, who continue to treat them with disdain. For too long, road users in this country have faced punitive and ill-considered measures that do little to support our economy, communities or environment in a fair and effective way.

“Motorists are not the enemy. They are parents doing school runs, workers getting to jobs, tradespeople running businesses and carers reaching the most vulnerable. They are ordinary people going about their everyday lives.

“Motorists are essential to Scotland's economy and crucial for our connectivity, but they are being punished by the Scottish National Party government through punitive low-emission zones, controlled parking zones, botched disincentives to car use, endless road works and a constant battle against pothole-ridden roads. Further, there are now the SNP's ludicrous plans for a 50mph national speed limit.