Labour leader creates buzz with car pledge

GREEN campaigners have welcomed a pledge by Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray to adopt hybrid or electric vehicles if elected First Minister.

Mr Gray said he would phase out diesel and petrol cars for his ministerial team and replace them with more environmentally-friendly models.

Dr Richard Dixon, of WWF Scotland, said: "Iain Gray is correct to say that switching to greener modes of transport is key to cutting carbon emissions.

"While much more transport spending must be redirected to encourage people to walk, cycle or use public transport, we must also take steps to reduce emissions from those cars that do remain. A switch to electric vehicles is going to be an essential part of tackling climate change.

"The public sector needs to be leading the way and right at the front of the queue should be the 200 cars in the Scottish Government's fleet."