Proposals to widen the use of electric vehicles are published today as part of a consultation on the use of low carbon vehicles.

The consultation proposes twin targets: 100% use of low carbon vehicles by public sector vehicles by 2020 and 95% of all new vehicles to be low carbon in 2020.

It also seeks to encourage widespread adoption of low carbon vehicles across Scotland.

Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "Government must back up its world leading climate change targets with action and this consultation does just that. Emissions from transport have been increasing in recent years and a major uptake of low carbon vehicle technologies is required to reverse this trend.

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"We all have a role to play in tackling climate change but the public sector must be seen to set the standard. This 2020 target will not only ensure that the public sector is stepping up to the plate on its transport emissions but also help create a market that can drive further development of low carbon technology."

The minister said Scottish companies are already leading the way in the development of low carbon vehicles.

He concluded: 'In these challenging economic times we need to play to our strengths and take advantage of the opportunities in developing the sustainable low carbon economy of the future."

(GK/JM)