Transform Scotland

We are the national alliance for sustainable transport – we campaign for better, fairer and greener transport in Scotland.

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

Less than 3 hours to go 🚨

If you've ever thought about supporting our work, now is the time...

Our match-funded fundraising appeal tackling #BigCar is closing at 12pm today 👇

https://t.co/2tUMiQt2tc

Thanks to all who have donated so far!

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

As part of Earth Raise 2026’s Big Give, we’re raising funds to build support for policies tackling the growing impacts of oversized SUVs. 👇
https://t.co/uZmTOZyIDY

Donations support workshops, policy briefings, public materials, and on‑street polling to understand and communicate public appetite for traffic‑reduction measures focused on larger vehicles.

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

Can you help us?

Our match-funded campaign on ending big car bloat launched this Earth Week, supporting our work with councils, communities and government to tackle the rise of oversized vehicles and reclaim street space for people.

Every donation made during the campaign week will be doubled - helping us scale up this work at a critical moment.

We’re really encouraged by the support we’ve received so far - and with your help, we can reach our goal.

❗If you’re able, you can support our fundraising appeal here: https://t.co/uZmTOZyIDY

📄Find out more about our latest report on parking and SUVs here: https://t.co/Dehbbi1Iz1

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

How are big cars changing our streets?

Across Scotland, cars are getting bigger and heavier year on year. Designed for off-road use, SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) and 4x4s take up more and more space on our streets - making towns and cities increasingly congested and dangerous for people walking, wheeling, and cycling.

In our latest report, we found that local authorities are already grappling with the pressures created by heavier, bulkier vehicles. As vehicles have grown, so have the pressures on limited street space:

- Take up more room and reduce space for walking, cycling and everyday street life
- Accelerate wear and tear on roads due to greater axle loads
- Increase the severity of injuries in collisions (with significantly higher risks for children) compared to standard cars
- Contribute to poorer air quality through increased tyre and brake particle emissions

We’re calling on decision‑makers to act on the evidence and introduce measures that prioritise safer, healthier and fairer use of street space.

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

Our Ahead of the Kerb report shows how parking and vehicle size shape transport behaviour, public health, and urban space. Larger vehicles strain kerbside space, damage roads, and increase risks for people walking and wheeling.
📄 https://t.co/Dehbbi1Iz1

SUVs now make up over half of new car sales, with major implications for health, equity, and climate resilience. During the Big Give, every donation is doubled meaning your support goes twice as far.
https://t.co/uZmTOZyIDY

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

As part of Earth Raise 2026’s Big Give, we’re raising funds to build support for policies tackling the growing impacts of oversized SUVs. 👇
https://t.co/uZmTOZyIDY

Donations support workshops, policy briefings, public materials, and on‑street polling to understand and communicate public appetite for traffic‑reduction measures focused on larger vehicles.

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

Parking shapes our streets more than most people realise.

Today we’ve launched 'Ahead of the Kerb': a new report on the hidden costs of parking, and how we can use parking policy better to create people-first cities.

👉https://t.co/I1wPHEB3dI

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

Our first thoughts on today's #ScotBudget:

"We’re pleased to see the introduction of a private jet tax. We now need the government to build on this move towards fairer pricing for the most polluting mode of transport by tackling frequent flyers and reducing short haul domestic flights."

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

⏰Tonight is the second session in the CPG’s freight series, where we’ll explore how Scotland is shaping low-carbon cross-border freight. This session will look at rail freight developments, electric truck innovation, and what the future holds for sustainable UK supply chains.

The discussion will be convened by Graham Simpson MSP and will feature presentations from:
• Kathleen MacFadden, Group Supply Chain Manager, Highland Spring
• Tim Dexter, Vehicle Policy Manager, Transport & Environment

Our first session attracted more than 40 attendees, including industry professionals and expert speakers, to examine last-mile logistics. We’re looking forward to building on that conversation.

This is a hybrid event, taking place in the Scottish Parliament (Committee Room 5) and online via Teams, 18:00 - 19:30.

Register here:
https://t.co/pCCAsfjXtB

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

Our final Network Briefing of 2025 is nearly here!

We'll be spotlighting the bus sector with Debbie McCreath, Group Marketing Director at Alexander Dennis, as chair.

🎤 Join us for presentations and Q&A on bus policy from:
Pamela Johnstone, Head of Customer Experience at Citylink
Stacey O'Flaherty, Project Manager for lovemybus youth programme

You’ll also hear an update from our director on the Scottish transport policy.
After the session, there will be the opportunity for group networking - a great chance to meet new faces and build connections across the sustainable transport community!

🗓️ Tue 9 Dec 2025
🕥 10:30 – 12:00 (online)

This event is exclusive to Transform members. Head over to our website to learn more about joining.
https://t.co/TvZIxq8RTl

🎟️ Don't miss out! Get your tickets here:
https://t.co/Xmsf9L7wgH

@ADLbus
@ScotCitylink

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

🚗 UK Budget Response from Transform Scotland

Transform Scotland spokesperson, Emilia Lauder, welcomes the Chancellor’s baby steps toward fairer motoring taxes. The new mileage-based charge for EVs and long-overdue changes to fuel duty finally move us closer to a 'polluter pays'system.

But, Emilia says the Chancellor missed a major opportunity.

SUVs - the UK’s heaviest, most polluting vehicles - remain untouched by tax reform. A Large Vehicle Levy could raise nearly £2bn a year to reinvest in public transport and help address the damage these vehicles cause to our roads, public health, and environment.

Read the response here:
https://t.co/B5DycQurpZ

@transenv_UK

[Colin Howden @TS_Director]

Following widespread speculation that the Chancellor will announce plans for a pay-per-mile charge for electric vehicle use in tomorrow's UK Budget, here's the article initially written for @TransformScot's 'Ideas for Investment' report.

https://t.co/BaKczFgSgi

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

Other cities across Europe are already tackling this, with policies that prioritise people over oversized vehicles, and Scotland can too.

This Road Safety Week, let’s start the conversation - and make our streets safer for everyone.

👉 Read it here:
https://t.co/Mv6kCiL5hk

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

🚦 It’s Road Safety Week, and like many of you, we’ve been thinking about what it feels like to move through our cities, whether that's walking kids to school, cycling to work, or just trying to cross the road.

That’s why we’re excited to share our new paper, "The harms of SUV use in Scottish cities,” written by Professor Adrian Davis. It discusses something many of us have noticed: cars are getting bigger, heavier, and harder to live alongside.

The impacts of SUV use are real:
- Children are eight times more likely to die if struck by an SUV.
- Cyclists suffer head injuries that are 63% more severe in SUV collisions.
- SUVs emit 25% more CO2 than medium-size cars.

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

"Swift action vital to secure Edinburgh’s public transport future"

🚋 Transform publishes its response to @Edinburgh_CC consultation on the Edinburgh north-south tram line.

https://t.co/zdivoqz2fW

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

Our next Network Briefing is nearly here! 🚉

We're delighted to welcome speakers from @ScotRail, @RailFreightUK and @WomeninRail for a session focused on rail.

🗓️ Tuesday 18 November
🕥 10:30 – 12:00 (online)

This event is exclusive to Transform members. If you're interested in becoming a member, head on over to our website: https://t.co/TvZIxq8RTl

Hurry, spaces are limited!
https://t.co/2ERsnLgsht

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

🗓️ Join us at the @ScotParl #SustainableTransportCPG on Tuesday 2nd December for a session on decarbonising cross-border freight.

This evidence session will cover rail freight developments, electric truck innovation, and what’s next for sustainable UK supply chains.

We'll hear expert speakers from:
@Highland_Spring – Kathleen MacFadden (Group Supply Chain Manager)
Transport & Environment  – Tim Dexter (Vehicle Policy Manager)

Book your place👇
https://t.co/oTy0yzR14P

To attend meetings or to join the CPG, contact us at https://t.co/a0WqXOifmN.

Read more about CPG's previous work at https://t.co/LIRjJ7u7Iq.

#SustainableTransport #ScottishParliament

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

Lovemybus is running until 31st March - don't miss out!

👉 Are you a parent or teacher keen to bring this to your school?
👉 A bus operator who wants to inspire the next generation?
👉 A local supporter who wants to see this rolled out in your community?

Get involved:
https://t.co/840DGIEhjl

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

Lovemybus is hitting the road again! 🚌

We’re excited to relaunch our 'lovemybus' campaign, delivering fun and educational youth programmes to schools across Scotland.

Hop on board here: https://t.co/dOTtIBfqzE

[Transform Scotland @TransformScot]

Previously, we:
📍Reached 10,000+ young people in 22 local authority areas
📍Partnered with 9 major bus companies - including Stagecoach, McGill’s, First, Lothian, West Coast Motors & Borders Buses
📍Delivered 200 interactive presentations