Scottish Government Purchases Fossil Fuel Vehicles Amid Green Ambitions

The Scottish Government has purchased six diesel pickup trucks and a nine-seater minibus, totaling over £200,000, despite its public commitment to phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. Six Ford Ranger pickups were registered in September of the previous year, followed by a Mercedes-Benz minibus in April. These additions bring the government's total fleet to 182 vehicles, with annual running costs around £1.5 million.

Scottish Conservative energy spokesman Liam Kerr criticized the move, stating that the purchases expose the SNP's "green posturing" as "rank hypocrisy." He argued that taxpayers' money should not be spent on new petrol and diesel vehicles when alternatives might exist and urged the government to ensure "sensible spending decisions and value for money" align with its green ambitions.

The Scottish Government defended the purchases, explaining that at the time of acquisition, "no suitable electric or plug-in hybrid alternatives were available that could meet operational requirements." However, the government did register five plug-in hybrid electric models of the Ford Ranger in March, a few months after the initial diesel purchases.

The six Ford Ranger pickups, each costing approximately £30,000, and the minibus, estimated to be over £40,000, represent a significant expenditure. The Rangers are reportedly used by staff in the marine, agriculture, and rural economy departments. The minibus is utilized by the Marine Directorate to transport equipment for Scotland's sea-going fleet operations.

A government spokesperson reiterated their commitment to phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles from the fleet "wherever possible," adding that "operational requirements cannot be met by electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles" on occasion.