Thousands more electric vehicle charging points to be installed across west of Scotland
by Chris McCall, https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/authors/chris-mccall/ · Daily RecordGet the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp
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Thousands more electric vehicle charging points across the west of Scotland are to be installed in a bid to convince more drivers to buy environmentally-friendly cars.
John Swinney will today announce plans to expand the charging network across Ayrshire and the Glasgow City Region as part of a £6.3 million investment.
It will see the installation of approximately 3,550 new public charge points across the area.
It comes as Scotland has already reached its target of installing more than 6,000 public charge points by 2026.
The First Minister will make the announcement today while members of his Cabinet visit businesses and projects across South Ayrshire.
The Scottish Government will later meet in Ayr Town Hall to discuss investment opportunities across the region.
Swinney said: "This announcement is clear evidence of our commitment to making sustainable travel accessible for everyone in Scotland.
“We need to maintain this rapid progress, working in greater partnership with the private sector to accelerate the pace and scale of delivery right across the country.
"By fast-tracking electric vehicle infrastructure, we’re paving the way for a net-zero Scotland while advancing our goal to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
“This is a key example of how the Scottish Government is focused on delivering on our key priorities and I am looking forward to hearing from people in Ayr about how we can continue to deliver for them.
“Connecting with communities across the country enables us to make informed decisions as we strive to create a wealthier, fairer and greener Scotland.”
Fiona Hyslop, the Transport Secretary, said: "We are providing local authorities with funding to enable them to work in partnership with the private sector to continue to expand public electric charging across Scotland.
“This approach is paying dividends – ensuring faster delivery and greater reliability of public charge points."
Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Council leader, said: “Electric vehicles are to key to reducing carbon emissions and the expanded charging network this funding will deliver can persuade more citizens across the City Region to switch to electric.
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“And in creating the biggest network of charge points across Scotland’s most populous communities we can make a real impact on our national climate targets.”
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