THE Government has defended its car use after figures were revealed showing ministers had made nearly 300 journeys in one month.
Data published by the Government showed that ministers took 286 car journeys in government cars in October 2021 – which averages at 9.2 journeys per day.
This accounts for the travel of 22 ministers, not including Nicola Sturgeon, whose car use is not published on the advice of Police Scotland.
Mairi Gougeon, the minister for rural affairs, took the most journeys, clocking up 27 in the month.
Liam Kerr, the Tories' net zero spokesman, accused ministers of "hypocrisy" by telling the public to reduce their car use but the Government insist its ministerial fleet is eco-friendly.
A Government spokesperson said ministers used official cars when public transport was “not viable” and added: “The Government Car Service provides a secure environment to conduct sensitive Government business while travelling to and from Ministerial engagements.”
All Government Car Service motors were either fully electric or ultra-low emissions electric vehicles.
Ministers made 14 journeys within the UK using public transport in October last year.
The Government says its policy is that staff should take the “most sustainable” forms of transport possible while on official business.
A Scottish Government spokesperson added: “We are committed to phasing out petrol and diesel cars from the public sector fleet by 2025 and replacing fossil-fuelled vehicles with plug-in or fully electric vehicles where appropriate.”
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