Actions on transport and travel

We all have a responsibility to cut the environmental impact of the journeys we make.

That's why, as well as developing and encouraging more sustainable transport options, the Scottish Government is also working to reduce the negative effects of travel by its staff, suppliers and visitors.

Scottish Government travel

The Scottish Government is making strenuous efforts to make more use of sustainable travel for business purposes.

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The Scottish Government Travel Plan

Our Travel Plan aims to reduce the environmental impact of our business travel by promoting more sustainable travel choices.

We are committed to achieving a 20 per cent reduction in business travel emissions by 2011, building to a 40 per cent reduction by 2020.

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Video conferencing

We promote video conferencing as an alternative to travelling to meetings – this has increased by 29 per cent (2007/08 figures).

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Ministerial travel

Wherever practicable, Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers use public transport and walk to engagements.

The Scottish Government has a smaller Ministerial team compared to the previous administration, with fewer car journeys than before.

We seek to ensure that our car fleet is as environmentally sustainable as possible – and provides value for money.

We have launched a consultation on the development of electric vehicles in Scotland which. This will look at how the car fleet of the entire public sector can make better use of this technology.

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Air travel

We have reduced our air travel (2007-08 figures) and are committed to making fewer air journeys.

Time constraints can mean air travel is often the only way to allow Government business to continue efficiently and effectively It is also important that Ministers are able to get to the more remote areas of Scotland.

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Carbon emissions levy

We have a carbon emissions levy in place across the Scottish Government. Wherever a Minister or member of staff travels by air, we pay a carbon levy per journey to offset the carbon emissions.

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