14
March
2019
Growing public support for safer streets and 20mph limits
Polling released today, carried out on behalf of the Scottish Greens, has revealed that speed limits of 20mph is growing in popularity with the public, from 65% support in 2017 to 72% supportive. A Private Members Bill which would change the default speed limit in urban areas from 30mph to 20mph is currently being scrutinised in
07
March
2019
Parliamentary Committee calls for improvements to Transport Bill
Environmental campaigners have welcomed the publication of a Parliamentary Committee report into the Transport Bill. The report by the Rural Economy and Connectivity (REC) Committee makes recommendations to the government, including support for councils are low emission zones and local authority ownership of buses. The REC Co
07
March
2019
Stirling University to halt investment in fossil fuel polluters
The University of Stirling has become the 9th organisation in Scotland to commit to ending investment in fossil fuel companies. The University said the commitment would “help the University ensure it continues to embed sustainability at the core of its business practices.” The announcement is a victory for Stirling Stu
07
March
2019
Microplastic pollution widespread in British lakes and rivers – new study
New research [1] by Bangor University and Friends of the Earth has found microplastic pollution in some of Britain’s most iconic and remote rivers and lakes. The study, believed to be the first of its kind, looked at ten sites - including waterways in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, lakes in the Lake District,
03
March
2019
Bus companies ignore fund set up to help them reduce air pollution
A special fund set up by the Scottish Government to pay for improvements to buses to reduce air pollution is going unspent, with no major bus company applying since the fund opened last October. The scandal was revealed in The Ferret/ Sunday National today. The fund, which closes on Friday 8th March is worth £7.89 million
27
February
2019
Reaction to Ineos’ fossil-fuelled announcement
Environmental campaigners have reacted to the announcement by petrochemical firm Ineos that they will upgrade the Forties pipeline system which brings in North Sea oil and gas. Ineos claim the pipeline will enable fossil fuels to be brought ashore well into the 2040. The recent UN IPCC climate report stated out that we need t
27
February
2019
Scottish transport statistics show cars increase again, whilst bus numbers fall
Transport Scotland has today released their annual statistics which reveal that the car continues to dominate our transport system, while bus journeys continue their dramatic decline. Environmental campaigners have criticised the Scottish Government and Councils for transport and planning decisions that have lead to congestio
25
February
2019
Air pollution episode spreading across Scotland – vulnerable people at risk
Scotland’s official air quality website is forecasting a moderate-to-high air pollution episode, continuing today and tomorrow. Today (Monday 25 February) levels of toxic Particulate Matter are forecast to break World Health Organisation and Scottish regulatory safety standards. There will be moderate or high air pollution
22
February
2019
Reaction to Edinburgh Council’s ambitious transport plans
Environmental campaigners welcomed the news from City of Edinburgh Council that the City Centre Transformation Plan will improve walking, cycling, and public transport in the city. The plans have been revealed in papers published today ahead of a Council Committee meeting next week. Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Air Pollu