Tories demand SNP ends its ‘war on motorists’ – Daily Business

Scottish Tories are urging Scottish government ministers to “end their war on Scotland’s motorists” which they claim is holding back the economy.

Tory transport spokeswoman Sue Webber will claim Low Emission Zones (LEZs), parking zones and fines are having a negative impact on businesses and individuals

She also wants ministers to scrap plans to introduce 50 mph speed limits on single carriageway roads, turbo-charge the resurfacing of Scotland’s pothole-scarred roads and futureproof the charging network for electric vehicles (EVs).

“The SNP must stop viewing car drivers as bogeymen and end their war on Scotland’s motorists,” says Ms Webber ahead of a debate at Holyrood on Wednesday..

“The insidious, drip-drip effect of anti-car policies is hampering our economy and connectivity and punishing already hard-pressed Scots.

“LEZs are a cash cow for councils desperate to make up for a shortfall in funding caused by the SNP’s savage cuts to their budgets, while motorists are also faced with the expansion of controlled parking zones and eye-watering fines.

“At the same time as being charged more, drivers are having to contend with more pothole-scarred roads and snail-paced roadworks. The SNP need to get their act together and ensure roads are upgraded far more quickly.

“Their ludicrous plans to introduce 50mph national speed limits are just another example of how out-of-touch the SNP are.

“If SNP ministers want motorists to play their part in an affordable transition to net zero, they must dramatically improve and expand Scotland’s woefully inadequate EV charging network.

“The Scottish Conservatives will always stand on the side of motorists, in contrast to the left-wing parties at Holyrood who treat them with contempt.”