My PhD explores the use of ‘green’ fiscal taxation policy measures in shaping vehicle purchasing behaviour towards lower emission vehicles in Scotland. This is considered from both an economic and psychological perspective, focusing upon the influence of 3 types of vehicle taxation.

A postal questionnaire was issued to 5000 motorists in Scotland – having collaborated with the Scottish Government’s Scottish Household Survey administrative team to obtain the sample’s contact details. Statistical analysis was subsequently undertaken using SPSS/PASW – principally factor analysis and k-means cluster analysis – on the data provided by 1336 motorists who participated in the research (28.3% response rate).