The Scottish Government has halted a review of local road user charging legislation, prompting criticism from Edinburgh councillors who say the decision could restrict councils’ ability to introduce congestion charging and fund sustainable transport initiatives.
The decision, disclosed in a written parliamentary question at Holyrood, relates to a regulatory review of charging powers established under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001.
Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said the government did not consider it appropriate to continue the work “at present”, citing ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
The move has been criticised by Edinburgh Greens transport spokesperson Cllr Chas Booth, who described it as a “massively damaging U-turn” and argued that it would undermine local authorities’ efforts to reduce car use and tackle transport emissions.
“This will make it impossible for councils to meet their own car reduction targets, and will undermine efforts to tackle the climate emergency,” he said.
Cllr Booth also claimed that abandoning the review would prevent councils from raising millions of pounds for investment in sustainable travel.
The Greens said the regulatory work was intended to establish whether existing local road user charging powers remained fit for purpose, potentially supporting councils considering future charging schemes.
Edinburgh has previously considered congestion charging, although residents rejected an earlier proposal in a citywide referendum in 2005. The proposed £2 daily charge was opposed by 74 per cent of voters, with turnout reported at 62 per cent.
The issue has nevertheless remained on the local transport agenda. In 2024, then transport convener Scott Arthur said the council was discussing a potential “pay-as-you-drive” charging model with Scottish Government transport officials.
The SNP also proposed congestion charging and a workplace parking levy ahead of the 2022 local elections.
Responding to the parliamentary question, Mr Flynn said the government would continue supporting sustainable travel and reducing transport emissions, including through delivery of the Climate Change Plan and the transition to net zero.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson pointed to existing measures aimed at supporting public transport use, including the removal of peak rail fares, free bus travel for under-22s and over-60s, and the implementation of a £2 bus fare cap.
The decision leaves questions over the future regulatory framework for local road user charging in Scotland, as councils consider measures to manage congestion, reduce emissions and support investment in alternative transport.
(Picture: Transport Scotland)
