Scotland to phase out diesel and petrol vans by 2032

Scotland plans to phase out petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032, eight years ahead of the UK government's target.

Announcing the Scottish Government’s legislative programme for the coming year, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon laid out plans to take the lead in promoting the use of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), with a target to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032.

The programme also announced plans to “massively expand” electric charging, accelerate procurement of ULEVs in the public and private sectors and make the A9 Scotland's first fully electric-enabled road.

The legislative programme also revealed plans to create a Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) “in one of Scotland’s cities” by the end of next year as well as creating  low emissions zones in Scotland’s four biggest cities by 2020 and in all Air Quality Management Areas by 2023.

Plans also include a new climate change bill next year, setting out "even more ambitious" targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Sturgeon said.

A £60m innovation fund will also be set up to encourage climate change solutions such as electricity battery storage, sustainable heating systems and electric vehicles charging.

Sturgeon said the measures would “send a clear signal that Scotland is the place for innovation in digital and low carbon technology.”