RENFREWSHIRE residents are being urged to help shape Scotland’s transport policies for decades to come and play a part in supporting the fight against climate change.

The call comes as a consultations starts on the National Transport Strategy, which will set out the Scottish Government’s vision for the next 20 years and help promote equality, boost the economy, and improve health.

The global climate emergency and the role of transport in helping to deliver net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 will be a key priority, along with how transport can play its part in building a fairer society – including reducing child poverty.

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Gavin Newlands, Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP, is eager for citizens across the area to have their say and make sure its transport priorities are in the inbox of decision-makers.

The SNP man said: “With the declaration of a climate emergency by the Scottish Government earlier this year, it’s more important than ever that we get our transport strategy right.

“We all have a stake in our transport system – whether we use public or private transport – and we’ll all continue to use transport over the years ahead, which is exactly the point of this strategy.

The Gazette: Gavin Newlands Gavin Newlands

“With train journeys up by nearly a third in the past decade and electric vehicles up by nearly 50 per cent last year, we are making fantastic progress as a country – but there is lot more to do.

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“The particular challenges faced by women are a main focus of the strategy, so it’s vital that women in particular make sure they’ve contributed to the consultation.”

Residents can have their say at the consultation’s website here.

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