Cycling and walking charities have urged the Scottish Government to stop building major new roads.

Eight organisations have issued a joint response to the National Transport Strategy consultation, which closes on Wednesday.

Cycling Scotland, Cycling UK, Forth Environment Link, Living Streets, Paths for All, Ramblers Scotland, Sustrans Scotland and Transform Scotland want more focus on creating space for bikes and those on foot.

The organisations said focusing on walking and cycling, along with affordable and accessible public transport should be the priority.

And they called for an end to government investment in new trunk roads.

The charities said this would help tackle inequality, reduce carbon emissions and improve health and wellbeing across the country.

In addition, the organisations have asked to:

Sustrans deputy CEO John Lauder said: "The new National Transport Strategy takes a big step forward.

"The way we travel plays a huge role in our lives, so we're especially pleased to see the strategy highlight the role transport can play in health and wellbeing.

"We know that walking, cycling and public transport are best placed to deliver the aims of the new strategy, and these six priorities should be the focus to make it a success.

"This includes an end to expensive new road building schemes in order to tackle the climate emergency - this money can be better spent on sustainable, healthy alternatives."

Clara Walker, executive director of Forth Environment Link, said: "FEL believes that by continuing to strengthen our National cycling and walking ambitions we will not only see improvements to our environment but also to public health.

"By increasing opportunities and funding for cycling and walking alongside improvements in the public transport network we will support our communities to make affordable and informed choices around how they travel."

Ian Findlay CBE, chief officer of Paths for All, added: "I welcome the NTS's overall vision of 'helping deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland'; and I believe that the high-level outcomes and policies have the potential to achieve this vision.

"However, it's essential that these are more than wise words in a well-crafted strategy.

"Being truly faithful to the transport hierarchy will be transformational; but will require bold leadership and culture change at all levels in the way we think about, plan, deliver and invest in transportation in Scotland."

A spokesman for Transport Scotland said: "The Scottish Government is fully committed to delivering a sustainable, healthier, fairer and more accessible transport system as outlined in our draft National Transport Strategy, which identifies the challenges and sets our vision for the future.

"We will continue to take forward a range of actions to help address the global climate emergency and encourage a more sustainable and active nation.

"Walking, cycling, shared and public transport options are key parts of our future vision and we expect our doubled investment in new infrastructure will make active travel a more attractive option than the car for everyday short journeys and as part of a public transport journey, enabling modal shift and improving health and well-being in the process."