Road User Charging

Consultation on Exemption Regulations Under Section 54 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001

UNISON Scotland's response to the Scottish Executive's Consultation on the Exemption Regulations Under Section 54 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001

February 2004

Introduction

UNISON is Scotland's largest trade union representing over 145,000 members working in the public sector. Our members are employed in local government, the health service, care services, water authorities, and in the voluntary sector. We welcome the opportunity to respond to the Scottish Executive's consultation document on Exemption Regulations Under Section 54 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001.

This paper constitutes UNISON Scotland's response to the consultation document issued by the Scottish Executive on Exemption Regulations Under Section 54 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001.

Response

The UNISON Scotland response to the questions are as follows: -

Annex A

Question 1

Do you think that there should be any groups of people; classes of vehicles; or types of activity that we should include in our national minimum exemptions from road user charging schemes?

. What should they be?

In addition to the list already in the draft regulation please consider adding essential Local Government services such as Social Workers and Home Carers. National Health Service workers and patients should also be exempted.

. Why should they be exempted?

These key public services provide a fundamental part in day to day life across Scotland. This group of workers provides an essential public service and lifeline to every community, regardless of geographical boundaries, across Scotland.

. What might the impact of their exemption from road user charging schemes be on traffic levels/ congestion and/ or noise emissions?

There would be a minimal impact from this as this group of workers is not disproportionate to the key services that they carry out.

Question 2

Do you think that there should be any groups of people; classes of vehicles; or types of activity that should not be exempted from road user charging schemes?

. What should they be?

Individuals if based solely on administrative boundaries and other ‘non transport related' geographical boundaries.

. Why should they not be exempted?

These individuals cause as much congestion travelling around the charging area as any one coming in from out the area. Congestion charging regulations cover vehicle classifications and do not refer to groups of people.

. What might the impact of their non-exemption from road user charging schemes be on traffic levels/ congestion and/ or noise emissions?

This should encourage them to use public transport to carry out their trips to help reduce congestion and thereby reduce emissions. If they continue to use their car then they will be contributing to the congestion.

Conclusion

UNISON Scotland believes that road user charging schemes should be fair for all communities across Scotland. UNISON Scotland also believes that essential Local Government service and National Health Service workers should be included in the national minimum exemptions.

For Further Information Please Contact:

Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary
UNISONScotland
UNISON House
14, West Campbell Street,
Glasgow G2 6RX

Tel 0141-332 0006 Fax 0141 342 2835

e-mail matt.smith@unison.co.uk