Drivers could be forced to give up their vehicles and switch to electric cars in some urban areas.
Car exhaust pollution (Image: Wikipedia)
Radical new plans have been drawn up which could see petrol and diesel vehicles banned in some parts of Scotland within eight years.
The Scottish Government have pledged to cut emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.
Academics and industry experts on Scotland’s future energy taskforce say some tough changes are required for targets to be met.
They have published a strategy suggesting ministers should start introducing a phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles in 2025, with urban areas and cites facing the ban first.
The taskforce, convened by WWF Scotland, also suggested central and local government should make sure they buy and lease only low carbon vehicles that produce fewer emissions.
The report backs the development of low carbon energy sources, highlighting the need in particular for carbon, capture and storage (CCS) technology.
It also suggests a programme be put in place for all homes to be brought up to a minimum energy efficiency standard by 2025, where practicable to do so.
With the Scottish Government expected to publish its draft energy strategy in the coming week, Dr Keith MacLean, the chair of the UK Energy Research Centre advisory board, and taskforce facilitator said there was
“an excellent opportunity for the Scottish Government to assert overall leadership and control over the nation’s energy future”.
Read more: Daily Record