Figures released by the Department of Transport reveal that the number of ultra-low emission and electric vehicles (ULEVs) in North Ayrshire has increased from 91 to 128 between October 2017 and October 2018 – a 41% increase.
Across Scotland, the number of people driving electric vehicles has almost tripled since 2016 – rising by 130% in two years.
The SNP Government has been clear in its commitments to reduce carbon vehicle emission by pledging to introduce low emission zones in Scotland’s four biggest cities by 2020, and to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars by 2032 – eight years ahead of the UK Government’s target.
In its Programme for Government 2018/19, the SNP Government furthermore committed to rolling out the electrification of Scotland’s roads with 1,500 new charge points and £20 million to help people and businesses switch to electric vehicles.
Other commitments include: adding 1,500 new charge points in homes, businesses and communities including 150 new public charge points; £20 million to enable more people and businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles; and the addition more than 500 new ultra low emission vehicles to public sector fleets.
An example of the latter is the use of ULEVs by Transport Scotland on the construction site of the £31.2 million A737 Dalry Bypass, which is set to open later this year.
Kenneth Gibson MSP commented:
“I welcome the news that the number of ultra-low emission and electric vehicles in North Ayrshire has increased by a whopping 41% in 2018. These figures are testament to people’s will to clean air and clean energy in Scotland, and will help to make our towns and cities more accessible – and are an important part of the fight against climate change.
“This news follows only a few months after the SNP Government allocated £700,000 to the Plugged-in Households Fund in October, which allows housing associations to apply for funding to procure the services of car clubs, comprised of electric vehicles, so that tenants and local residents can hire the cars when they are required.
“The SNP Government’s consistent course of action has cemented Scotland’s reputation as a global leader on tackling air pollution and climate change. It demonstrates that Scotland is forward thinking and ambitious to do better for the environment and the next generations.”
ENDS
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