Focus of work
Scotland has an ambitious target to cut car use by 20% by 2030 but no clear path to getting there. In the absence of a national road user charging scheme, local authority-led changes to parking policy are one of the few options available to discourage car use in Scotland.
While there are emerging examples of progressive practice – a pavement parking ban in Edinburgh and kerbside management plan in Glasgow – there is lack of awareness and action elsewhere. Even when there is political will, burdensome regulations and local opposition get in the way.
As part of this project, Transform Scotland aimed to tackle this problem by showing how progressive parking policies can cut traffic, tackle SUV growth, improve the urban environment and create more space for walking, cycling and public transport.
Impact
Transform Scotland published it’s Ahead of the Kerb report in April 2026, setting out key recommendations for local authorities and the Scottish Government.
Recommendations for local authorites
- Enforce the pavement parking ban
- Adopt standalone parking plans
- Engage major employers on workplace parking
- Implement kerbside management strategies
- Introduce weight-based parking charges
- Ban SUV advertising
Recommendations for the Scottish Government
- Equip Local Authorities to make the case for reform
- Advocate for a levy on bigger cars
- Explore the feasibility of banning SUVs in city centres