A LACK of leadership has left the Scottish government’s target of cutting car use by a fifth by 2030 “unlikely” to be met, auditors said today.

In a damning new report, Audit Scotland and the Accounts Commission issued a stark warning on the chances of reducing car travel to 1994 levels, slashing journeys by 7.3 billion kilometres to 29.3bn.

“A lack of leadership has resulted in minimal progress against the demanding policy intention,” it said.

“It is not clear if the Scottish government remains committed to the target as key documents remain in draft form, there is no costed delivery plan or measurable milestones and arrangements for monitoring and scrutinising progress are insufficient.”

The critical findings come despite First Minister John Swinney stating last year, as he reinstated peak fares on ScotRail, that hitting the target for reduced car use “obviously requires changes in behaviour from members of the public” but remained achievable.

Auditor General Stephen Boyle said: “It’s now unlikely the government will achieve its ambition, so it needs to be clear how this will affect its wider ambitions to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.”

Oxfam Scotland’s Jamie Livingstone warned that “the speed of action cannot remain stuck in first gear.”

He said: “Slashing car emissions means bold action to make public transport the easy, affordable choice and that requires more investment.”

Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell described the report as a “wake-up call.” 

Branding it “damning,” Scottish Labour MSP Claire Baker said: “Once again, the SNP has been setting targets and then failing to lift a finger to deliver on them.

“We need a real strategy to make public transport and active travel practical and affordable options for all.”

A spokesman for Transport Scotland said it would consider the report’s recommendations and acknowledged: “Scotland has still got some way to go.”