The Climate Emergency Response Group has claimed that a ban on fossil fuel vehicles in city centres by 2030 should be one of the Scottish government's key policies.

Made up of 19 organisations, the coalition has set out a 12-point-plan of measures it wants the government to consider after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon agreed that 2045 will be Scotland’s new net-zero target for CO2 emissions.

Alongside a ban on petrol and diesel-powered cars in all city centres by 2030, the plan includes calls to establish four green, low-carbon city investment deals, a £100 million fund to decarbonise farming, and a public information campaign to promote climate-friendly, lower meat and dairy diets.

Although Scottish ministers are expected to set out further details on howe the government will become carbon neutral by 2045, they are yet to cut urban speed limits to 20mph across Scotland, despite pressure from the Scottish Green Party.

Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables said: "We are already witnessing the effects of climate change, and now is the moment when we must accelerate our response if we are to avoid the worst effects and secure the many social and economic benefits of moving to a climate neutral economy.

"This is the time for us all to support strong changes to policy and programmes in response to the climate emergency, and this report sets out our initial recommendations for the Scottish government's leadership role. The adoption of these policies by the Scottish government would demonstrate world-leading commitment, slashing our emissions and showing where the rest of the world can follow us."