A bid to ditch workplace parking levy is rejected by MSPs
MSPs were debating and voting on Stage 3 amendments to the Transport (Scotland) Bill
Other amendments related to Low Emission Zones, bus services and pavement parking
Image source, bbcLabour MSP Colin Smyth stresses the danger caused by parking in cycle lanes and calls for MSPs to back his amendment.
They do not, with 34 backing, but 84 against.
We move to a seven and half minute suspension.
Image source, MICK SINCLAIR / ALAMY STOCK PHOTOTransport Secretary Michael Matheson explains why he can't back the amendment calling for a ban on parking in cycle lanes.
Mr Matheson argues there is already legislation that addresses this issue.
The minister also argues the amendment relating to parking near schools is unnecessary as local authorities already have the powers needed.
Image source, Scottish Parliament
Image source, Scottish ParliamentBefore we move to the workplace parking amendments, MSPs will debate amendments that will prevent parking in a cycle lane and then restrict parking in the vicinity of schools.
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Image source, bbcSNP MSP Sandra White
MSPs are now debating amendments relating to banning parking on pavements and certain exemptions to the ban.
SNP MSP Sandra White tells the chamber: "I'm absolutely over the moon we've come to this part of the bill."
The measures in this bill relating to banning parking on pavements came from Ms White's member's bill.
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Image source, bbcWe now move to pavement parking amendments.
Back in 2016 MSPs voted in principle to make it an offence to park on pavements.
The Glasgow Kelvin MSP Sandra White had proposed legislation which would also make it illegal for vehicles to double park.
Her bill won unanimous support, but the SNP government pledged to legislate to tackle irresponsible parking.
It has done so as part of the Transport Bill.
MSPs now debate and vote on community transport services amendments.
Tory MSP Jamie Greene calls for the introduction of contactless payments for all public transport.
Mr Matheson explains why he can't back the amendment, arguing it is unnecessary as contactless payments is rolling out at pace.
Image source, bbcLabour MSP Colin Smyth
We now move to an amendment calling for bus drivers to get appropriate disability awareness training and for information about bus services to be more accessible.
Labour MSP Colin Smyth receives support for his amendment from both Green MSP John Finnie.
Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour expresses sympathy for the amendment, but warns it lacks clarity.
However he highlights the need for bus companies to improve disability access to their services.
The transport secretary expresses his concerns about the amendment.
Mr Smyth hits back arguing anyone saying his amendment is unnecessary is wrong and not listening to those with a disability.
However it is duly rejected by MSPs.
MSPs reject Labour MSP Colin Smyth's amendments seeking to ensure bus service improvement plans are inclusive and help those in poverty.
We now move to amendments calling for the needs of those on a low income to be put at the heart of bus services.
Labour MSP Colin Smyth says his amendments seek to ensure bus service improvement plans are inclusive and help those in poverty.
Mr Matheson argues these amendments are not necessary and says he opposes them.
The transport minister explains local authorities already have to comply with public sector equality duty.
Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles carries on the consensus and praises the transport secretary for empowering local authorities.
"Minister, well done," says Mr Rumbles.
Fair to say this is not a common occurrence in the chamber.
Mr Matheson welcomes the cross-party support for his amendments.
Labour MSP Sarah Boyack strongly supports local authority ownership of bus services.
The former transport minister reminds the chamber she brought in free bus passes for over 60s.
However there is a an urgent need for municipal bus companies.
She calls for start up resources to help buy low emissions buses that are required.
Green MSP John Finnie also welcomes the powers being given to local transport authorities for the provision of bus services.
Mr Finnie calls for the decline in bus patronage to be reversed.
He wants to see an extension of free public transport.
Image source, bbcTransport Secretary Michael Matheson
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson says his amendments empower all local transport authorities in the provision of bus services.
Labour MSP Colin Smyth argues public transport should be a public service, not be there to boost shareholders dividends.
The Labour MSP praises Lothian Buses as an exemplar but warns against a "one size fits all" approach.
He welcomes the government's amendments, as does Tory MSP Jamie Greene.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe number of people travelling by bus has dropped by nearly 100 million over the past decade, according to figures.
Scottish government data showed that while the number of air, rail, ferry and car travellers all increased, bus patronage declined steeply.
There were 388 million journeys by local bus services in 2017/18, down from 487 million in 2007/08.
There was also a 13% hike in the number of cars registered in Scotland since 2007.
Image source, Scottish ParliamentBus services amendments