CAMPAIGNERS will today warn global leaders not to rely on technology alone to cut transport emissions sufficiently.

As the focus at COP26 turns to transport today, the biggest source of UK emissions, the Sustainable Transport Alliance (STA) has cautioned against solely prioritising electric vehicles (EV) to reduce harmful emissions.

At the Glasgow summit, the organisation will warns that reducing traffic and shifting towards public and community transport, walking, cycling and shared mobility must be a major climate goal, which can unleash widespread health, wellbeing and social justice benefits.

Today’s event in Glasgow will bring together both the UK and Scottish governments and Glasgow City Council, with speakers including Scottish Greens minister Patrick Harvie; Bernadette Kelly, permanent secretary at the UK Department for Transport and Anna Richardson, Glasgow City convener for sustainability and carbon reduction.

Jools Townsend, chair of the Sustainable Transport Alliance, said: “The inspiring campaigners and change-makers from around the world who have been addressing COP26 have been underlining how we must put people, communities and justice at the forefront in tackling the climate crisis, and this very much applies to transport.

"The evidence is clear that we cannot put all our faith in electric cars - we need a more fundamental shift in how we get around, and we have much to gain from this."

"By focusing on a shift towards public, shared and community transport, walking and cycling, we can create healthier, happier communities and more equal access to opportunity, without adding to emissions and environmental problems through the manufacture of millions more cars.

"We’re proud to be coming together with our NGO partners at COP26 to showcase action and amplify voices within communities across the UK that are working towards a greener, better, more inclusive transport future.”

Also speaking at COP26 today, Scottish Conservative transport spokesperson, Graham Simpson, will question the SNP Government’s pledge to deliver enough electric vehicle chargers to meet demand.

Mr Simpson will claim that if the SNP Government continues the rollout at the current pace, drivers will face being left stranded on public roads, unable to charge their vehicles.

He said: “The SNP are losing the argument for shifting away from petrol and diesel cars by failing to provide the charging infrastructure.

“The SNP Government doesn’t understand that we need a hand in glove approach to encourage the take-up of electric vehicles. At the current rate of progress, it could take around 45 years – rather than nine - to get to their target of 30,000 chargers."

“Despite significant public investment, this research indicates that drivers will struggle to charge the electric vehicles they were encouraged to buy.

“By failing to match their own ambitions, the SNP are missing another climate change target.”