Transport and the Environment Committee, 29 Mar 2000

Meeting date: Wednesday, March 29, 2000

Official Report 130KB pdf

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European Document

Agenda item 3 is a European document that has been referred to us by the European Committee for our consideration. There is an accompanying committee paper entitled "EU launches European Car Free Day 2000". As members know, we are not obliged to do anything with the document other than consider it at this meeting.

The European Commission has designated 22 September as a car-free day. The UK has signed up to that initiative, which aims to encourage local authorities to organise a car-free day on that date. If the Transport and the Environment Committee responds favourably to the Commission's initiative, the European Committee proposes to contact the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to ascertain whether any Scottish local authorities could get involved.

I am happy to hear the committee's views on the matter. We have the option simply to note the document or we may pursue the matter further with COSLA. I am keen on the idea, which seems to be an interesting initiative. Logistically, we have some contact points to make known to the operators of local transport and to the local authorities.

I supported the initiative twice in the chamber and I am delighted to see the paper in front of us. We should do everything we can to encourage local authorities to take up the initiative.

I agree. It is interesting that the European Committee passed the document on for us to take a view on it. We should discuss it with COSLA in the first instance, as local authorities would be involved. We should do everything we can to encourage them to take part in this excellent initiative.

Although the concept is admirable, and I support it, I would like to point out that that is a holiday weekend in this country. It may be difficult to say that people should not use their cars then.

I hate to be the person to pour cold water on the idea, as I have no problem with it in principle, but for many areas of Scotland it would not be practicable. In some areas—especially that which I represent—it is impossible to go anywhere without a car. The idea is fine for the cities, and I am full square behind it, but we need to bear in mind the fact that it may not be realistic for rural and semi-rural areas. It is an ideal—a goal to aim for; perhaps one day the rural areas will have good public transport as well.

You are absolutely right, Helen: it is a promotion of an idea in principle. Perhaps you should speak to COSLA about the point that you raise.

I am also concerned that if people choose to use alternative modes of transport, that should be successful for them. The worst thing would be for people to make the effort without the transport system being prepared for what could be a fairly busy day.

We should say that we support the initiative as being worth while, but that we need to know how we can deliver it. If there are problems, they will need to be resolved.

Last year, in Europe, the initiative was tailored to each city. Some authorities simply created a little car-free area in the centre of the city. That was the idea: to create little areas that were completely car free, for people to enjoy wandering about in an open space where they would normally have been in danger of being flattened by buses, lorries or cars.

Would that not create difficulties for deliveries to shops in city centres?

I am sure that matters such as that will be examined and planned for. I think that we are generally in favour of the idea. Although we recognise that some aspects need to be examined further, we would want to endorse the initiative and encourage the European Committee to pursue the matter with COSLA, the Executive and other appropriate bodies. Are we agreed?

Members indicated agreement.