The claim: Scotland’s ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’ policy would confine residents to their area

A Jan. 15 Facebook post (direct link, archived link) features a screenshot of an article detailing a new initiative in Scotland.

"Scotland aims to cut car use by creating '20-minute neighborhoods' in net zero push," reads the headline of the Jan. 13 article.

The post's caption makes a very different claim, however.

“There are over 240 councils planning these 15/20 minute cities,” reads the post’s caption. “What it means is that peolle (sic) in the cities are not allowed to leave their '15 min' districts more than 1 or 2 days a week.”

The post was shared more than 500 times in less than a month.

Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks

Our rating: False

There’s no mention of confining people to their neighborhoods in the planning reforms passed by the Scottish government, or in news coverage of the reforms. The creator of the "15-minute city" concept says the plan improves, not restricts, residents’ accessibility and mobility.

New reforms won't bar Scots from leaving their neighborhoods

In January, the Scottish Parliament approved the Fourth National Planning Framework, which maps out a long-term development and infrastructure plan for the country.

The "Local Living and 20 minute neighbourhoods" policy was one of more than 30 new planning policies set to be implemented over the ensuing few months.

A spokesperson for the Scottish...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMigAFodHRwczovL3d3dy51c2F0b2RheS5jb20v...