The SNP has proposed banning the import and sale of new, non zero-emission buses by 2025 in its election manifesto.

The proposal has met with opposition by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT). By proposing an end of sale date of 2025 for diesel powered buses, the SNP is disproportionately targeting SMEs and rural bus operators and the marginal, but socially necessary, services they provide, says the CPT.

Responding to the SNP manifesto pledge, Paul White, Director of the Confederation of Passenger Transport Scotland, said: “Many larger bus operators have already committed to purchasing only zero emission or ultra-low emission vehicles, provided that the right fiscal support is delivered by government to help meet the higher purchase costs and the required supporting infrastructure.

“The transition to zero-emission is not purely about cost. Practical concerns like the availability of charging infrastructure and vehicle range must be considered. These issues are most prevalent in rural areas.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Politics Matters