Scottish government funds green vehicles

June 18th 2010

The Scottish government has announced it is to invest almost £8 million in environmentally-friendly vehicles.

Speaking at a climate change conference in Edinburgh, First Minister Alex Salmond explained that the funding will be split between two new schemes.

Some 4.3 million will be allocated to local councils in order to bridge the cost between purchasing normal vehicles and greener alternatives such as electric cars and vans.

Furthermore, bus companies will receive 3.4 million to buy more environmentally-friendly vehicles which incorporate an electric motor alongside a conventional engine.

"The low-carbon vehicle scheme will enable local authorities and other public agencies to invest in eco-friendly vans and cars this year and help drive down air-polluting emissions," Mr Salmond said.

He added that the scheme will provide "fresh incentives" for bus companies to embrace green technology within their fleet.

Dr Sam Gardner, climate change policy officer of campaign group WWF Scotland, welcomed the news, saying that the transport sector "must play its full part" if targets for reducing carbon emissions are to be met.

Scotland is currently aiming to slash by its carbon output by 42 per cent by 2020.