We are in a climate emergency and we know that we all need to play our part in cutting emissions. Yet Glasgow is currently seeing a deluge of planning applications for new drive-thrus from opportunistic developers who care more about profits than protecting the planet.
Greens have been supporting local communities in fighting back against these developments across the city - from Dennistoun to Ibrox to Thornwood. We want to encourage new businesses but they should be locally and sustainably run, not embedding increased emissions and air pollution into their business model.
Sign our petition today and join us in calling for Glasgow City Council to declare a moratorium on new drive-thrus.
The increase in drive-thrus is a problem across the UK with a 41% increase between 2015 and 2020. Glasgow is the drive-thru capital of Scotland, with more than Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee combined and almost all of them owned by multinational companies (1). This is despite the fact that Glasgow has some of the lowest levels of car ownership in the country, with less than half of households having access to a car.
Greens have consistently resisted planning applications for new drive-thrus and have joined local communities in stopping applications in Dennistoun and Ibrox. However, other applications, such as the controversial new developments in Thornwood, have been successful despite strong local opposition.
Transport emissions are Scotland's single largest source of greenhouse gases and the Scottish Government has committed to reducing car kilometres by 20% by 2030. Planning applications for new drive thrus consistently make seemingly commendable claims about their environmental impact and how they will improve active travel. Yet it’s clear that their entire business model is built around encouraging people to drive rather than walk or cycle.
Drive-thrus also have a significant impact on health due to vehicle idling. Research from Coventry University at 10 drive-thrus across the UK found that levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter peaked at many times the standard limit (2). This has a detrimental effect on the health of staff, customers and local communities.
Last December, Green councillors secured a motion which committed Glasgow City Council to consider introducing a moratorium on drive thrus. However, despite talking a good game on the climate crisis, the Council is proposing to kick this issue into the long grass, saying it needs to wait for a new City Development Plan, which is at least two years away. This is a climate emergency and we need bold action now to protect our planet and our communities.
Sign our petition today and join us in calling for Glasgow City Council to declare a moratorium on new drive-thrus.