Transform Scotland

The advantages that the existing tramline has brought, and the recent effects of not being able to operate the section from Princes Street to Newhaven, has demonstrated how vital Edinburgh’s trams are.

How are big cars changing our streets? Across Scotland, cars are getting bigger and heavier year on year. Designed for off-road use, SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) and 4x4s take up more space on our streets - making towns and cities increasingly congested and dangerous.

Every donation made during the campaign week will be doubled - helping us scale up this work at a critical moment. We’re really encouraged by the support we’ve received so far - and with your help, we can reach our goal.

How are big cars changing our streets? Across Scotland, cars are getting bigger and heavier year on year. Designed for off-road use, SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) and 4x4s take up more space on our streets - making towns and cities increasingly congested and dangerous.

In our latest report, we found that local authorities are already grappling with the pressures created by heavier, bulkier vehicles. As vehicles have grown, so have the pressures on limited street space.

As part of Earth Raise 2026’s Big Give, we’re raising funds to build support for policies tackling the growing impacts of oversized SUVs. donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...

Our Ahead of the Kerb report shows how parking and vehicle size shape transport behaviour, public health, and urban space. Larger vehicles strain kerbside space, damage roads, and increase risks for people walking and wheeling. 📄 transform.scot/2026/04/21/h...

As part of Earth Raise 2026’s Big Give, we’re raising funds to build support for policies tackling the growing impacts of oversized SUVs. donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...

Parking shapes our streets more than most people realise. Today we’ve launched Ahead of the Kerb: a new report on the hidden costs of parking, and how we can use parking policy better to create people-first cities 👉 transform.scot/2026/04/21/h...

The rise of bigger cars is an emerging problem. SUVs now make up over half of new car sales & they’re changing how streets look & feel. Bigger cars mean: • more space taken up at the kerb • reduced visibility • higher risks for people walking and cycling We look at what policy can do in response.

Parking shapes our streets more than most people realise. Today we’ve launched Ahead of the Kerb: a new report on the hidden costs of parking, and how we can use parking policy better to create people-first cities 👉 transform.scot/2026/04/21/h...

⏰Tonight is the second session in the CPG’s freight series, where we’ll explore how Scotland is shaping low-carbon cross-border freight. This session will look at rail freight developments, electric truck innovation, and what the future holds for sustainable UK supply chains.

The discussion will be convened by Graham Simpson MSP and will feature presentations from: • Kathleen MacFadden, Group Supply Chain Manager, Highland Spring • Tim Dexter, Vehicle Policy Manager, Transport & Environment

🚗 UK Budget Response from Transform Scotland Transform Scotland spokesperson, Emilia Lauder, welcomes the Chancellor’s baby steps toward fairer motoring taxes. The new mileage-based charge for EVs and long-overdue changes to fuel duty finally move us closer to a 'polluter pays' system.

But, Emilia says the Chancellor missed a major opportunity. SUVs - the UK’s heaviest, most polluting vehicles - remain untouched by tax reform. A Large Vehicle Levy could raise nearly £2bn a year to reinvest in public transport and address the damage these vehicles cause.

🚦 It’s Road Safety Week, and like many of you, we’ve been thinking about what it feels like to move through our cities, whether that's walking kids to school, cycling to work, or just trying to cross the road.

That’s why we’re excited to share our new paper, "The harms of SUV use in Scottish cities,” written by Professor Adrian Davis. It discusses something many of us have noticed: cars are getting bigger, heavier, and harder to live alongside.

Our next Network Briefing is nearly here! 🚉 We're delighted to welcome speakers from ScotRail, Rail Freight Group and Women In Rail for a session focused on rail. 🗓️ Tuesday 18 November 🕥 10:30 – 12:00 (online)

Lovemybus is hitting the road again! 🚌 We’re excited to relaunch our 'lovemybus' campaign, delivering fun and educational youth programmes to schools across Scotland. Hop on board here: www.facebook.com/lovemybus.yo...

Previously, we: 📍Reached 10,000+ young people in 22 local authority areas 📍Partnered with 9 major bus companies - including Stagecoach, McGill’s, First, Lothian, West Coast Motors & Borders Buses 📍Delivered 200 interactive presentations